Innisfail, Alberta – United Way Central Alberta (UWCA) is pleased to announce that after a brief delay, the Period Promise Pilot Project has officially launched in the town of Innisfail.

This pilot, in partnership with The Town of Innisfail and Soroptimist International of Central Alberta, includes four dispensers for free menstrual products and enough products for the entire year in washrooms at the Town’s aquatic centre and library. Funding for the pilot project has been provided by an Innisfail Community Grant (from Elemental Energy) of $2800.

Soroptimist International of Central Alberta have donated $600 as well as advocacy to the pilot, and United Way is covering administration costs. The pilot will focus mainly on gathering community information surrounding the impact of having access to menstrual products. It will also serve as a community educational tool regarding the period poverty issue and destigmatizing menstruation.

“Innisfail’s Community Services Committee selected this project as a recipient of Community Benefit Grant funding because they were aware of the positive effect it would have on the community,” said Meghan Jenkins, Director of Community Services for the Town of Innisfail. “We’re proud we were able to help the United Way Central Alberta with this ground-breaking initiative.”

UWCA Chief Executive Officer Chelsea O’Donoghue said “We are learning more and more about how period poverty makes otherwise ordinary tasks like going to school or work a real problem. Through surveys, studies, and word of mouth we are discovering that period poverty negatively impacts a portion of Central Albertans. We shouldn’t allow something that is so easily solvable obstruct people from taking part in activities.”

Innisfail and area businesses are invited to join the movement to sign the Period Promise Policy and provide free products in their facilities. For more information, contact Chelsea O’Donoghue 403-347-0513 or chelsea.odonoghue@caunitedway.ca and visit caunitedway.ca/periodpromise

Red Deer, Alberta – With our 57th Annual Kickoff Luncheon less than one week away, we would like to share some information that we find concerning and we know you do too.

School began this week for many children across the region. This year, more students than ever returned to class without the proper tools to learn. We know this because Tools for School is still trying to meet this year’s need.

We know that the remains of the pandemic, coupled with inflation are a challenge for our recovering economy and that many people are struggling to meet their basic needs. Over the past decades, United Way has raised tens of millions of dollars that have been used by Central Alberta agencies working to fix the root causes of poverty, mental health issues, and other needs.

“Thursday, September 8 we are hosting our Kick Off Luncheon at the Cambridge. This event is the kick off to our annual fall fundraising campaign. We raise the majority of the dollars we invest in Central Alberta over the next few months, and next Thursday marks the start to that important work!” said Chelsea O’Donoghue, United Way Central Alberta CEO.

“Our campaign theme this year is United We Are Stronger and that couldn’t be more true. We want our community to join us at the Kick Off Lunch to learn more about the huge impact their donations make, connect with their community and see why their support matters this year more than ever. “

Let’s start our 2022 Campaign strong! Join us at our Kickoff Luncheon, Thursday September 8th, 11:30 – 1 pm at the Cambridge Hotel. Tickets can be purchased at tinyurl.com/yr98b442

Help local agencies working to stem the tide of these challenges and make a difference. United we are stronger.

For more information:
Chelsea O’Donoghue, CEO, United Way Central Alberta

Red Deer, Alberta – Drawing on the success and inspiration generated by last year’s Period Promise launch and initiatives, United Way Central Alberta has begun its 2022 Period Promise Campaign. Throughout the month-long campaign United Way Central Alberta will accept both product and monetary donations, as well as ask local communities, businesses, and workplaces to sign the Period Promise policy agreement. The agreement asks that menstrual products be made available, free of charge, in signees’ washroom facilities.

“United Way’s Period Promise Campaign is devoted to increasing access to menstrual products so that we can eradicate period poverty in our province,” said Chelsea O’Donoghue, United Way Central Alberta Donor Relations Manager. “Signing onto the policy agreement is one way that you can help to de-stigmatize menstruation, and help more people get access to the products they count on.”

A Period Promise Campaign Toolkit is available at caunitedway.ca/periodpromise and provides resources and tips for becoming part of the movement to fight period poverty. A survey taken last year, showed that roughly one quarter of respondents had missed work or school because they didn’t have proper menstruation supplies.

“This year’s campaign focuses on the unfortunate direct results of period poverty,” said O’Donoghue “data gathered to date from the current Period Promise Pilot at 4 Red Deer schools show that 51% of student respondents have missed school because of a lack of period products. Others miss out on opportunities to stay engaged with the community. When people have access to menstrual products, it gives back dignity and improves their health and well-being. It’s our hope that the community will show the same amazing enthusiasm and support of Period Promise this year.”

The 2022 UWCA Period Promise Campaign runs until June 7th.

For more information, contact
Chelsea O’Donoghue Donor Relations Manager, United Way Central Alberta
403-347-0513 or
chelsea.odonoghue@caunitedway.ca