United Way Launches “Period Promise Washrooms” Campaign Across
Northeast Ontario on Menstrual Hygiene Day
NORTHEAST ONTARIO, ON – May 28, 2026 – In recognition of Menstrual Hygiene Day, United Way Centraide North East Ontario/Nord-est de l’Ontario (UWCNEO) and our Labour partners are officially launching its new Period Promise Washrooms Campaign, calling on businesses, organizations, and workplaces across the region to help tackle period poverty by providing free menstrual hygiene products in their washrooms.
The campaign builds on United Way and its Labour partners’ annual Period Promise Campaign, which mobilizes communities each March around International Women’s Day to collect menstrual hygiene products and donations for local frontline organizations supporting vulnerable individuals and families.
Now, United Way is encouraging workplaces and public spaces to take the next step by making menstrual products freely accessible year-round.
“Access to menstrual hygiene products is a basic necessity, not a luxury,” said Cory Roslyn, Executive Director, UWCNEO. “No one should have to miss work, school, or daily life because they cannot afford period products. Through the Period Promise Washrooms campaign, we’re inviting organizations across Northeast Ontario to be part of a practical, visible solution.”
According to national data, approximately 1 in 6 people in Canada who menstruate have experienced period poverty.
Organizations that take the pledge will:
- Commit to providing free menstrual hygiene products in their bathrooms
- Receive an official Certificate of Participation
- Be recognized on UWCNEO’s website as a participating organization
- Have the opportunity to be celebrated on social media
- Receive access to downloadable campaign assets and key messages
“Providing period products should be as standard as providing toilet paper or soap,” added Cory Roslyn. “Small actions like these can have a meaningful impact on dignity, inclusion, and wellbeing in our communities.”
Organizations interested in joining the movement can learn more and take the pledge at: https://uwcneo.com/get-involved/period-promise/period-positive-pledge
Media Contact:
Laura Beaudoin
Communications Manager
United Way Centraide North East Ontario/Nord-est de l’Ontario
[email protected]
705-560-3330 ext 222
UWCNEO.com
About United Way Centraide North East Ontario/Nord-est de l’Ontario
United Way Centraide North East Ontario/Nord-est de l'Ontario is the unifying force for social change in Northeast Ontario. We are committed to bringing people and organizations together to help meet community needs and tackle complex social issues.
We work across the districts of Sudbury, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Manitoulin, Cochrane and Timiskaming.
About Period Promise
Period Promise began as Tampon Tuesday, a grassroots campaign launched by labour organizations and community partners to collect menstrual hygiene products for people experiencing period poverty. Over the years, the campaign has evolved into a broader movement focused on menstrual equity, awareness, and access. Today, United Way Centraide North East Ontario/Nord-est de l’Ontario proudly leads the regional Period Promise campaign in partnership with the Sudbury & District Labour Council, North Bay & District Labour Council, and the Canadian Labour Congress, working together to address period poverty across Northeast Ontario through product drives, advocacy, and community initiatives like Period Positive Bathrooms.