Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health launches period product donation drive

Who: Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health

What: The charity is asking Canadians to donate pads, tampons, period underwear and menstrual cups to their local Shoppers Drug Mart store as part of a new campaign, “Pad It Forward.” 

Donations bins for this in-store program will be visible near the checkout area in stores nationwide, with all donated products going to one of more than 300 local women's shelters or community food banks. Donations will be accepted from July 26 to August 8.

"We know that 17% of people in Canada have experienced period poverty—unable to access or afford the menstrual products they need. And this number jumps to 1 in 4 among people living in lower-income households," said Paulette Minard, director of community investment and Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health, in a release. "Together with Shoppers Drug Mart, the Foundation is taking action to change this reality, helping to make period products more accessible to those who need them."

Since 2022, Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health has committed to donate more than 69 million period care products collectively to schools and community organizations in Ontario, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Saskatchewan. 

In this same time period, the foundation has donated more than $2.6 million in funds and supplies to expand access to menstrual products and care through partners like Moon Time Connections, Canada's only national Indigenous-led period equity organization.