May 28, 2025 — United Way Halton and Hamilton

United Way Halton & Hamilton and joni, a Canadian social enterprise committed to reimagining sustainable period care, are proud to announce a new partnership that officially launches today — Menstrual Hygiene Day. This global day of action underscores the importance of period dignity and access to menstrual care, making it a timely and meaningful moment to mark the beginning of this impactful collaboration.

The partnership will expand United Way Halton and Hamilton’s Period Promise initiative, which increases access to free period products for community members through a growing network of local agencies, shelters, schools, and community programs. Through this new relationship, joni will supply donated and discounted sustainable menstrual products to help meet rising demand — while also working with United Way to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding menstruation.

“This partnership reflects our shared belief that no one should have to choose between basic needs and period products,” says Brad Park, President and CEO of United Way Halton and Hamilton. “Menstrual equity is about dignity and health, and it’s critical to ensure everyone can access care when they need it. We’re grateful to partner with joni to take bold steps toward making that a reality across Halton and Hamilton.”

In tandem with the launch of the partnership, joni has released its debut book, BLEED: Period Stories Written to Be Shared — an anthology of real stories that highlight the lived experience of menstruation. The book brings together voices of activists, educators, healthcare providers, and people with lived experience to spark conversation and deepen understanding. A portion of proceeds from BLEED will support United Way Halton and Hamilton’s Period Promise initiative.

“Menstrual equity is a local issue that many people still don’t feel comfortable talking about — but we must,” adds Brad Park. “Access to menstrual products is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. Through this partnership, we’re not only providing critical supplies to people who need them most — we’re also opening the door to important conversations and helping ensure that no one in our community is left behind.”

“This partnership is about so much more than product distribution,” says Linda Biggs, co-founder and CEO of joni. “It’s about community, conversation, and creating lasting impact. With United Way Halton and Hamilton, we’re proud to expand access to period care and continue working to make menstrual equity a reality for all.”

As the cost of living rises and basic needs become more difficult to afford, local agencies are seeing an increasing number of people in need of menstrual products. United Way’s Period Promise network currently includes over 30 agency partners across Halton and Hamilton and is poised to grow with the support of this new partnership.

“We wrote BLEED to spark dialogue and drive action,” said Biggs. “Menstrual equity is a public health issue, a gender equity issue, and an environmental issue. With this book and our partnership with the United Way, we’re doubling down on our commitment to drive important conversations around menstruation into the light because it’s how we all got here.”

For more information about the Period Promise initiative or to make a donation, visit uwhh.ca/periodpromise.

BLEED will be available in paperback and digital formats beginning May 28, 2025, via Amazon.ca, and through independent bookstores, and major online retailers.