Committed to donating 40 million period care products to schools across Canada, Shoppers aims to eliminate Period Poverty, one community at a time

Toronto, May 28, 2024 – May 28 marks Menstrual Hygiene Day, a global day of action with a common goal of creating a #PeriodFriendlyWorld. First observed ten years ago with a focus on women in developing countries, Menstrual Hygiene Day has since grown, shining a light on the impact period poverty can have on people who menstruate in countries around the world, including Canada.

Period poverty – or the lack of access to adequate menstrual products – can force students to miss school, work and other important life events, putting them at a significant disadvantage. In fact, 17 per cent of Canadians who menstruate are unable to access period care products and that number jumps to 25 per cent in low-income households1.

"For too long, inequitable access to menstrual products has held millions back from reaching their full potential - every absent day of school or sick day at work is a missed opportunity to learn, grow and thrive," said Jeff Leger, President of Shoppers Drug Mart. "We're proud to do our part in the fight for menstrual equity, but until every Canadian has equal access to the menstrual products they need and deserve, we know there's more work to be done. Today, on Menstrual Hygiene Day, we recommit ourselves to the vision of a #PeriodFriendlyWorld and a Canada where no one is left behind."

Working with business partners, as well as governments from Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan and in conjunction with Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health^TM, the charitable arm of Shoppers Drug Mart, Shoppers has committed to donating 40 million period care products to schools across Canada since 2021, donating almost 25 million to date. In addition to improved attendance, access to free, quality menstrual products in schools can help reduce stigma, improve self-esteem and confidence, and avoid health risks if alternatives such as rags and socks are used.

"It is clear that menstrual products are not a luxury, but a necessity for any girl in Ontario schools. That is why our government launched a free program across all Ontario high schools, in conjunction with Shoppers Drug Mart who provided millions of products that will support positive mental and physical health of children. We will continue to empower girls in our schools to overcome each and any barrier so they can achieve their dreams." - Hon. Stephen Lecce, Ontario's Minister of Education

"Last fall, we proudly launched this three-year initiative alongside our partners at the Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health^TM, providing products in a dignified way to those who need them most," Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Status of Women Office Laura Ross said. "On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, we continue to thank Shoppers Drug Mart for their generosity and commitment to building access to menstrual products across Canada."

To learn more about these announcements and others like them, please visit: https://corporate.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/releases-and-statements(Open in a new tab)

For inquiries media: pr@lobaw.ca(Open in a new tab)

About Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. is one of the most recognized and trusted names in Canadian retailing. The company is the licensor of full-service retail drug stores operating under the name Shoppers Drug Mart (Pharmaprix in Québec). With almost 1,350 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores operating in prime locations in each province and two territories, the company is one of the most convenient retailers in Canada. The company also licenses or owns 47 medical clinic pharmacies operating under the name Shoppers Simply Pharmacy (Pharmaprix Simplement Santé in Québec). As well, the company owns and operates 43 corporate Wellwise by Shoppers Drug Mart^TM stores and an ecommerce site Wellwise.ca, making it the largest Canadian retailer of home health care products and services. In addition to its retail store network, the company owns Shoppers Drug Mart Specialty Health Network Inc., a provider of specialty drug distribution, pharmacy and comprehensive patient support services, MediSystem Inc., a provider of pharmaceutical products and services to long-term care facilities and Lifemark Health Group, Canada's leading provider of outpatient physiotherapy, massage therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, mental health, and other ancillary rehabilitation services. Shoppers Drug Mart is an independent operating division of Loblaw Companies Limited.

1 https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/funding/menstrual-equity-fund.html