Welcome to Project RED ~Periods made easier~
Why Project RED Van🩸?
Did you know that more than 1 in 3 Canadian girls and women report they have occasionally needed to lie about being on their period or hide a menstrual product when using a washroom during their menstrual cycle? Shockingly, 19% report they do so regularly! Research shows that nearly two-thirds of people who menstruate in Canada, which is about half our population, miss work or school due to period poverty. Period poverty refers to the lack of proper menstrual products like pads and tampons, as well as the menstrual cycle education needed to use them effectively. Many individuals are simply unable to afford these essential products.
For school-aged menstruators, the absence of access to period products can lead to missing classes or being distracted during lessons, causing discomfort and embarrassment. Poor access to menstrual health resources can force individuals to use alternatives like toilet paper, socks, or rags instead of proper period products. Young people rely on the adults in their lives to provide the necessary support and access.
Project RED Van is dedicated to enhancing menstrual health for students by raising awareness through education and support, while normalizing conversations to break the stigma and end the shame surrounding periods. We strive to provide period education that empowers students to speak about their experiences and learn how to manage their menstrual health with confidence. Our initiatives, including youth symposiums, aim to create a supportive environment where everyone has access to the products they need.
Winners of the 'Ed Finn Award for Excellence in Writing'
See a need, meet a need, and that's exactly what Gr 7 students did when they created Project RED to address what they call 'period shame' through menstrual cycle education. This write-up serves as a veritable 'how to' of student organizing, showcasing not only excellent writing but also the implementation of an ethic of inclusivity regarding Menstrual Health and Period Education, both in practice and in their lives. Their initiative could even inspire a youth symposium focused on these important topics.
Meet our 2025 peer-iod club!🩸
Welcome to OUR Project RED Van
When Holly Johnston first started this afterschool club, little did she know that she was creating a movement in her school. 17 students signed up, and have changed how their school community views periods and allyship through impactful period education. They are still growing as advocates for menstrual health and awareness!
Project RED Van is providing menstrual cycle education in local school communities to help normalize the conversation around periods, reduce stigma and shame, and promote education about menstrual cycles. They are also addressing period poverty by bringing FREE period products to our washrooms—barrier-free!
We would love to come give a talk at your school too, especially at a youth symposium focused on these important issues!
BC Teachers' Federation Magazine Nov/Dec 2025
Amplifying youth voices for menstrual equity and education
On May 3, 2025, the students from Project Red's after-school club hosted Canada's very first Youth-Led Period Symposium in Vancouver, focusing on menstrual cycle education and Menstrual Health.
Pads-on-a-Roll in the stalls right where we need them most!
Right next to the toilet paper...
After surveying the students and exploring various product options, we determined that Pads-on-a-Roll best meets our needs directly in the washroom stalls for effective menstrual cycle education:
- They are easily accessible
- They assist kids who have just begun their first periods
- They provide us with privacy and can be used in ALL washrooms regardless of gender
- They are simple to use
- They are comfortable and thin enough for our growing bodies
- They are the perfect solution to keep young menstruators in classes without fear or embarrassment
- They reduce stress and anxiety
- They instill confidence in managing our own menstrual health
- They are cost-effective
- They come with our own sticker labels!!!!! 🔴
Contact us below to get your own rolls and enhance period education at your youth symposium 👇🏽
Aaaaannnnndddd... a big thank you to our sponsors!
Book us to do a presentation!
We love to come do Peer-iod Talks- together we can end end the shame and stigma!