United Way’s Period Promise Campaign is underway in Kamloops and across British Columbia.

Kamloops Councillor Katie Neustaeter, who is part of the initiative, says the goal is to increase access to period products for everyone in need.

“During this two-week campaign, we accept donations of goods or dollars and they go directly towards period products and it’s given out to vulnerable people throughout our community.”

Neustaeter says every item donated is distributed locally through agencies such as the Elizabeth Fry Society, the Boys and Girls Club, the Salvation Army, and anyone else in need.

It will also go to Thompson Rivers University – the first university in B.C. to implement the Period Promise on campus – to try and help students who are often left with tough decisions.

“People who need those products and can’t access them, how do you choose between books or food or tuition?” Neustaeter said. “Are you gonna let your education go? Are you going to meet this very basic need?”

It comes as Neustaeter says one in four people who menstruate in Canada cannot afford period products.

“It’s an unacceptable number but it is also a hidden need,” she said. “The more we talk about and amplify this need, the better we will be at meeting it as well.”

The City says it also will be expanding locations where free period products are available to include all women’s and gender-neutral washrooms at McArthur Island, as well as at all City arenas and pools.

The move comes after a successful four-month pilot project that saw period products available at City Hall, 105 Seymour Street, the Tournament Capital Centre, and McArthur Island.

“The City of Kamloops signed a period promise letter last week saying we will have these products in all city-owned bathrooms across the city,” Neustaeter said.

“That is a big deal and it will change the lives of people who are choosing between, ‘Do I pay my rent? Do I use these products and deny my daughter who then can’t go to gym class? or Do I miss a day of work making me further vulnerable?”

Period products can be donated until June 13 at several locations in the City of Kamloops. Monetary donations can be made on United Way BC’s website.

There will also be a special Collection Drive on Friday, June 7 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the United Way’s Xchange Community Collaborative Centre on Tranquille Road in Kamloops.