Tri-City women's group aims to combat period poverty with donation drop-off

Difficulty accessing menstrual products shouldn’t happen in the Tri-Cities.

That's from Soroptimist International as the regional branch of the women and girls group is set to host an event in Port Coquitlam this weekend that hopes to continue the mission of eliminating period poverty in B.C.

On Saturday (May 22), alongside United Way of the Lower Mainland (UWLM) and Pacific Blue Cross, volunteers will be set up in the Safeway parking lot at the corner of Shaughnessy Street and Lougheed Highway.

Residents are encouraged to drop-off either feminine hygiene products or cash donations, which will be earmarked to helping struggling families receive the necessary products for day-to-day life's needs.

Known as the Period Promise Pop Up, Soroptimist International is hoping to raise more awareness on how hard menstrual products are to come by, especially in the current times of uncertainty.

"With COVID-19, and income loss for women and families, it has made it more challenging for some to access menstrual products," the event's description reads.

"All money raised during the Pop Up event and all products will stay in the Tri-Cities."

In meeting with public health and safety protocols, the Period Promise Pop-Up will be a one-way drive-thru event on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Volunteers are asking anyone who participates to stay in their vehicle, wear a face mask and drive with caution.

Tri-City residents that can't make the event are asked to make a financial contribution online via UWLM's website.