United Way Saskatoon and Area alongside labour partners host collection drive to help individuals in need
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SASKATOON, SK – United Way Saskatoon and Area along with our dedicated labour partners are proud to host the 8th Annual Tampon Tuesday collection drive in celebration of International Women’s Day. This initiative aims to address the ongoing need for improved access to period products in Saskatoon and surrounding areas.
“We continue to see a pressing need for access to menstrual products in our community with the demand far outpacing supplies. Participation in this initiative helps to reduce barriers for people working to reach their full potential and will help to ensure those in need do not go without these necessities,” said Sheri Benson, United Way Saskatoon and Area CEO.
The collection drive, held annually in the weeks around March 8th to coincide with International Women’s Day, seeks to raise awareness and eliminate barriers for individuals facing period poverty. According to a December 2023 survey by Plan Canada International, one in six Canadians who menstruate have personally experienced period poverty, emphasizing the urgency for collective action.
“In the face of tough choices many people must make daily—whether to purchase prescriptions or buy food, pay bills, or pay rent—deciding whether to purchase period products should not be one of them. Your participation will make a meaningful impact on the lives of many vulnerable individuals in Saskatoon,” said Don MacDonald, Saskatoon & District Labour Council president.
How to Get Involved:
1. Workplace Campaigns: Throughout March, individuals, friends, family, and colleagues are encouraged to collect period products. Schedule a collection pick-up by contacting United Way of Saskatoon and Area at 306-975-7700 or via email at office@unitedwaysaskatoon.ca.
2. Financial Donations: Make a monetary contribution online at unitedwaysaskatoon.ca/tampontuesday, or mail a cheque to 100-506 25th Street East, Saskatoon, SK S7K 4A7. United Way will use the funds to purchase boxes of pads and tampons for distribution.
3. In-store Donations: From March 2nd to 18th, visit participating local Shoppers Drug Mart stores to purchase period products and donate in-store. Donation drop-off bins will be conveniently located at the front of the store.
Last year, over 3,100 packages of products, including Diva Cups, were distributed to 42 unique agencies, organizations, and schools, with an estimated value of $20,000. Since 2017, United Way of Saskatoon and Area has distributed nearly 23,000 packages of products, totaling an estimated value of $112,800.
MEDIA CONTACT
Dan Matthews, United Way Saskatoon and Area
dmatthews@unitedwaysaskatoon.ca
BACKGROUND
IMPACT STORY
A young mother and university student, facing unexpected illness and withdrawal from classes, found herself without critical funding. Every remaining dollar was dedicated to sustaining herself and her child amidst rising food and housing costs. Period products provided over several months, thanks to United Way donors and volunteers, became a crucial support, preventing her from choosing between necessities like food.
ABOUT UNITED WAY SASKATOON AND AREA
For 65 years, United Way Saskatoon and Area has fostered partnerships with the goal of bringing people and resources together to build a vibrant and caring community. Through collaboration, United Way moves people from poverty to possibility, helps build strong communities and supports kids to be all that they can be. Each year, United Way mobilizes millions of dollars in community investment, hundreds of community-minded volunteers and organizes dozens of community building projects to make life in our communities better and safer for everyone.
ABOUT SASKATOON & DISTRICT LABOUR COUNCIL
Founded in 1909 as the Saskatoon Trades and Labour Council, Saskatoon and District Labour Council (SDLC) is chartered by the Canadian Labour Congress and is affiliated to the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour.
The SDLC currently represents over 23,000 members from 40 different union locals. Our members work in government, mining, retail, health, education, and more.
ABOUT TAMPON TUESDAY
Tampon Tuesday (TT) is a registered trademark of Bell Media. The initiative is a unique way of bringing the local community together to support people with periods. Since 2017, United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Labour Congress have partnered with Bell to use this trademark for period product collection and distribution initiatives across Canada. TT profiles the basic need for all individuals to have access to necessary period products and the challenges faced by many to obtain or purchase them. Through this initiative, the local community has distributed nearly 23,000 packages of period products to agencies, organizations, and schools in Saskatoon and surrounding area. Donate today.
Topics : News
