United Way continues fight against period poverty

Period products seen in Windsor, Ont. on March 4, 2025. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

An annual fundraiser collecting donated women’s hygiene products was held on Tuesday night to help women in need.

The United Way’s Period Promise event, formerly known as Tampon Tuesday, was hosted at the Harbour House Waterfront Eatery.

Lorraine Goddard, United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent CEO told CTV News the 9th annual event raises awareness about period poverty.

“That means that they can’t go to work, they don’t go to school, they don’t leave their home because they just don’t have access to the products that allow them to do that,” Goddard said.

One out of four women living in a household with less than $40,000 in income experience period poverty, according to Goddard.

A drive-thru allowed residents to stop by and drop off menstrual products. Goddard said the cause receives significant support because so many people can relate to the challenge.

“You think about all the places where low-income, vulnerable people are that really don’t have the financial resources to buy them, we make sure they get into people’s hands,” she said.

“We collect enough that we actually can support the needs throughout the year.”

On hand to help with the good deed were members of the U11 Lakeshore Lightning White Hockey Team.

The youth club is in hot pursuit of the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup, which encourages teams to complete good deeds in their community and document it on social media.

“I think this is good to support so girls that are going through their period or anyone who can feel good and know that they have someone supporting them with period products,” said player Tessa Thomson.

“I think it’s important because some people can’t afford these things and we can just give it to them,” the Lightning’s Joni Siddall said.

“I think why this is so important because some people don’t have the money like others do because some people are less fortunate than others,” added team member Lauren Meadows.

The event helped the Lightning remain at the top of the leaderboard with only days to go before the event ends. Winning the cup secures $100,000 for a local charity of the team’s choice.

The Lightning selected Play for a Cure, which contributes to local cancer research.