Governor Simcoe Students Lead Period Equity Initiative

Last month, Chelsea Guite and her friends from Governor Simcoe Secondary School embarked on an inspiring mission: promoting period equity in their community. With bright smiles and hopeful hearts, they set out to spread the message of United Way’s Period Promise initiative by distributing empty paper bags, each with an attached note explaining the initiative.

“One person can make a major difference if they can influence someone else to do the same,” she said. “It’s like a boomerang effect.”

The note invited community members to fill the bags with menstrual products and leave them on their porches for pick-up a week later. This simple act, Chelsea explained, can create a ripple effect in the community. “One person can make a major difference if they can influence someone else to do the same,” she said. “It’s like a boomerang effect.”

Chelsea’s belief that no one should have to choose between buying period products and other basic necessities inspired her to support this initiative. Chelsea’s passion was further ignited by former student Ruby Hill, who launched the school’s involvement in 2021 and entrusted Chelsea to continue supporting Period Promise after her graduation last year.

Ruby explained, “Although I have graduated from high school and moved beyond the Period Promise school campaign, I am thrilled to continue my efforts as a mentor to my younger peers at Governor Simcoe Secondary School. This volunteer work highlighted the many challenges individuals face in our community. It was fulfilling and encouraging to make a difference in their lives and help provide a better quality of living.”

Chelsea’s heartwarming story reminds us all that change often starts with a simple, compassionate act.

United Way Niagara’s Period Promise campaign is a powerful initiative aimed at increasing the community’s access to free menstrual products. By ensuring everyone who menstruates can go to work, attend school, and access services, the campaign helps keep the community connected and thriving.

“The small act of distributing bags has the potential to create a significant impact, ensuring that everyone in their community could live with dignity and access essential products without financial strain.”

Chelsea’s heartwarming story reminds us all that change often starts with a simple, compassionate act. When we all come together to support initiatives like Period Promise, we can help make a difference in our community and tell every person their basic needs matter.

#PeriodPromise #MenstrualEquity #CommunityImpact