During the month of May, several University of Winnipeg faculties came together to help United Way fight period poverty. As part of United Way’s Period Power Collection Drive, the University campus collected over 1,100 pads and 1,200 tampons for people in our community.
“I already knew UWinnipeg was a campus filled with caring and generous people and this was just another example to see it in action,” said Dr. Sara Penner, Associate Professor in the Department of Business and Administration and a United Way cabinet member. “It made me feel proud to be part of this community.”
Dr. Penner said almost one-quarter of people who menstruate in Canada report struggling to afford menstrual products for themselves or their children. When people don’t have menstrual products, they often miss school, work, or other opportunities to contribute to their community.
“Having hygiene products was definitely something I took for granted in my life, so when I heard this I wanted to participate,” she said.
Dr. Penner worked with administrator Erin Macdonald to organize the UWinnipeg drive and collect and deliver the menstrual products.
“It felt like something we have the power to help with,” Dr. Penner explained. “It was an example of how people here at UWinnipeg are making a meaningful impact every day and what we can achieve when we come together as a community.”
If you missed the chance to donate but still want to contribute, you can contact Erin Macdonald to arrange drop-off of unopened menstrual products.
Dr. Penner also said more opportunities to support United Way will be coming later this year.
“This is just the beginning,” she said. “Our United Way Basket Raffle will take place October 27 to 31. Then, we will kick off the official 2025 United Way campaign launch with an event at the University of Winnipeg Club! Mark your calendars for November 7 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.”
“We look forward to having some fun and bringing our campus together to celebrate all the United Way’s good work in the community,” Dr. Penner added. “There will be lots of opportunities to get involved!”
