INNISFAIL - Anyone requiring certain feminine hygiene products now has access to them for free at two locations in Innisfail.
The United Way Central Alberta (UWCA) launched a new Period Promise Pilot Project in town last week.
Four dispensers for free menstrual products are being added to washrooms at the Innisfail Public Library and Innisfail Aquatic Centre. United Way Central Alberta will provide enough products for the entire year.
Chelsea O’Donoghue, UWCA donor relations manager explained the need for access to the products.
“Period Poverty is a very real issue faced by many, preventing them from taking part in many activities as they normally would such as school, sports, work, and other activities. This should not be the case and access to menstrual hygiene products should be like toilet paper," she said.
Funding for the pilot project has been provided by an Innisfail Community Grant of $2800. The Soroptimist International of Central Alberta has donated $600 to the project as well as advocacy to the pilot. United Way will cover administration costs.
Much of the project, said O’Donoghue, will focus on gathering information from the community on the impacts of having access to hygiene products and educating the community.
Innisfail and area businesses are invited to join the movement to sign the Period Promise Policy and provide free products in their facilities.
