Image (L- R): Joanne Cousins, Communications and Donor Relations, United Way Alberta Northwest; James Robinson, Deputy Superintendent, GPPSD; Bjorn Hetland, Vice Principal, Crystal Park School; Tracy Zuk, Resource Development Manager, United Way Alberta Northwest (Credit: GPPSD)

By Abby Zieverink

Barrier free period products

Period Promise Program launches at two GPPSD schools

Nov 18, 2021 | 11:45 AM

Grande Prairie Composite High School and Crystal Park School will soon have dispensing units with commercial-grade period products to help provide barrier-free feminine products to girls and women in the schools who are unable to afford products themselves.

This, in partnership with the Grande Prairie Public School Division and United Way Alberta Northwest, who originally launched the “Period Promise Program” November 1 to help end period poverty in the community.

United Way Alberta Northwest Executive Director Jamie Craig says period poverty is when an individual is unable to afford period products.

“Research has shown that nearly one in seven Canadian girls have left school early or missed school entirely because they do not have access to period products.”

GPPSD Superintendent Sandy McDonald says the division is excited to help staff and students benefit from this partnership program.

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“We also want to thank the Swan City Rotary Club for funding this initial installment of the program. The power of community brought this to our two schools, and we are grateful.”

Grande Prairie Composite High School principal Dennis Vobeyda says this donation of a dispenser and feminine hygiene products is essential for their students.

“It will allow them never to feel alone and unsure of what to do. It is hugely challenging growing up, and this is one way we can help support our students.”

Crystal Park School Principal Cindy Clarkson says they are grateful for this donation.

“This program will allow for our students who sometimes are unable to meet their basic needs feel like they always have somewhere to turn and the support they need to navigate the challenging situations they may encounter.”

The dispensers will be installed in the near future.

GPPSD is also looking for donations to support this program, and donations can be made through the United Way Alberta Northwest, which is hoping to reach $20,000 before the end of the school year to secure dispensers and products at five local schools.