Since the partnership began earlier this year, more than 28,000 pads and 5,000 tampons have been distributed, helping to alleviate period poverty in Burnaby, Vancouver, New Westminster, Quesnel, and Terrace.
Period poverty, or a lack of access to menstrual products, remains a significant issue across British Columbia — and nationwide — with one in four menstruating individuals experiencing it at some point in their lives. A recent United Way study found that more than 25% of participants in British Columbia have endured a menstrual cycle without access to essential products due to their inability to afford them which is often exacerbated by transportation costs.
“Our mission is to strengthen and empower local communities. We’re proud to broaden access to essential items by supporting United Way BC’s work to address period poverty,” says Shilpa Arora, General Manager of DoorDash Canada. “Being able to obtain safe, hygienic menstrual products is a basic health necessity. No one should have to compromise their health because they face transportation and financial barriers to access these products.”
“United Way BC has spent years working closely with community organizations throughout British Columbia to expand access to menstrual products for the people who need them most,” says United Way BC’s Provincial Director of Community Investment and Impact, Kim Winchell. “Our partnership with DoorDash has allowed us to reach even more communities and support thousands of additional people in need.”
About Project DASH:
Project DASH empowers social impact organizations—such as food banks and pantries—to work with Dashers and use DoorDash technology to provide local delivery to their communities. In Canada, Project DASH has powered the delivery of nearly 200,000 meals and essential items to people experiencing food insecurity.
About United Way British Columbia – working with communities in BC’s North, Interior, Lower Mainland, and Central & Northern Vancouver Island:
United Way BC supports healthy, caring and inclusive communities by strengthening vital connections that support people in need. Representing the five regions of Central and Northern Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland, Southern Interior, Thompson Nicola Cariboo, and Northern BC, our organization serves a population of more than 4.5 million people, with a focus on emergency response, kids and youth, seniors, poverty, mental health and food security. www.uwbc.ca
