Shoppers Drug Mart’s Pad It Forward campaign helps address period poverty in Estevan – DiscoverEstevan.com

Nearly 70 menstrual hygiene products will be distributed locally after Shoppers Drug Mart’s annual Pad It Forward campaign wrapped up in Estevan.

The national initiative encourages customers and staff to donate period products, which are then provided to local organizations supporting those in need. This year, the Estevan store partnered with Envision Counselling and Support Centre to help ensure donations remain in the community.

Michelle Assoumbang, pharmacist and associate owner of Shoppers Drug Mart Estevan, said the campaign ran from May 23 to June 19, with customers and staff contributing products throughout the collection period. “We placed them in a Pad It Forward bin near the front cash, and we just wrapped up that program,” said Assoumbang. “We are happy to announce that we raised almost 70 period products to be distributed here in Estevan.”

Local donations support local residents

The donated products will now be distributed through Envision Counselling and Support Centre, which provides counselling, support services, and community outreach programming throughout southeast Saskatchewan.

For many individuals and families, menstrual hygiene products are a recurring expense that can place additional pressure on already-stretched household budgets. Community donation initiatives help fill gaps by ensuring essential products are available to those who need them.

The campaign is part of a broader effort by Shoppers Drug Mart and the Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health to improve menstrual equity across Canada. The foundation has committed to donating millions of period-care products through schools and community organizations since 2022.

Raising awareness about period poverty

Beyond collecting products, the campaign also helps draw attention to period poverty and the barriers some Canadians face when accessing menstrual supplies. “The statistics are staggering,” said Assoumbang. “Three in four women aged 18 to 24 feel compelled to conceal their periods in school and workplace environments, and we recognize the pressing need for menstrual resources in Canada.”

Period poverty remains a challenge in communities across the country, affecting people’s ability to access the products they need for school, work, and daily life. The issue can be especially difficult for those facing financial hardship.

While donation drives provide valuable support, Assoumbang noted that the continued need for these products demonstrates that affordability remains an ongoing concern for some Canadians.

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Community partnerships make a difference

Assoumbang said she is grateful for the support shown by both customers and staff during the campaign. “We are so happy to be part of this program and to take initiative to address that period poverty that exists in Canada,” she said. “We do want to help provide women in our community access to essential menstrual health products.”

The initiative reflects Shoppers Drug Mart’s commitment to supporting women’s health while partnering with local organizations that understand community needs. Envision Counselling and Support Centre will now work to get the products into the hands of those who can benefit from them most.

As the donations are distributed throughout the community, Assoumbang hopes the campaign continues to raise awareness about menstrual health and encourages residents to support efforts that reduce barriers to accessing essential products. For many recipients, a simple donation can have a meaningful impact on their daily lives.