The Facts About Period Poverty in Canada
Period poverty is a lot of things: it’s a lack of access to sanitary products and facilities; it’s missed opportunities, like going to school, work, or even social events; and it’s a lack of education, which perpetuates stigma and myths. 1
It’s a public health crisis. Period products are a health necessity for anyone who menstruates, yet many Canadians do not have adequate access to them — and that’s a fact.
A 2019 survey from Plan Canada International found that one in three respondents either ‘occasionally’ or ‘frequently’ sacrifice something within their budget to pay for period products. 2
In their 2018 survey, Plan Canada International found that one in four respondents have struggled to afford menstrual products for themselves or their dependents. For people under the age of 25, this number jumps up to one in three. 3
70% of respondents under the age of 25 have missed school, work, or social activities because of their period. 3
When accessing period products isn’t possible, many people will use whatever is available (eg. socks, paper towels, and newspapers); however, this can lead to irritation, infections, and further complications. 4
References
- Sánchez, E., & Rodriquez, L. (2019, February 5). Period poverty: Everything you need to know. Global Citizen. https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/period-poverty-everything-you-need-to-know/
- Plan International Canada. (2019). Female and male views on menstruation in Canada. https://plancanada.ca/
file/downloads/ Plan-International-Canada ---Female-and-male-views -on-menstruation--- May-2019.pdf - Plan International Canada. (2018). A Canadian gender study. https://plancanada.ca/
file/downloads/Plan-International-Canada ---A-Canadian-Gender-Study ---Period-Stigma-Report -2018.pdf - Vieira, J. (2019, April 18). The heartbreaking realities of period poverty. The Kit. https://thekit.ca/beauty/body/
period-poverty-canada/
It's An Intersectional Issue
Across Canada, period poverty is still a largely unrecognized issue. However, because it’s an intersectional issue, it deeply impacts many marginalized groups and those who already experience gender, healthcare, and economic inequities.
“For trans and non-binary individuals, menstrual rhetoric that uses gendered language reinforces social taboos and stigma which can make menstruation traumatic, harmful to mental health and cause gender dysphoria. For Indigenous, income scarce, homeless, remote/northern and incarcerated communities, the cost of menstrual products makes them inaccessible for many and this inaccessibility is compounded by a lack of food security and access to clean water.”
What We Do
Our goal is to provide menstrual products to the homeless and income insecure, as these products are rarely donated to shelters. We also strive to destigmatize menstruation and dissociate it from an inherently feminine experience.
All Cycles started when I was looking into donating to the Bissell Centre on behalf of a friend as a birthday gift. I was shocked when I saw menstrual products were on their list of needs! I kept looking into this issue and discovered that there was a severe lack of menstrual products in the city. When we started back in 2018, the average a person in need would receive was three tampons for their entire cycle. Obviously, this was grossly insufficient.
— Celena Campbell, co-founder (she/her)
Throughout the year, we work with local businesses, community partners, and other organizations to collect donated period products. These products include liners, pads, tampons, mentrual cups, sanitary wipes, and more. After the donated products are collected by our volunteers, we distribute them to local shelters and to those who make a request through our web form.
Period Pop-Up Edmonton
In 2021, we began stocking a pop-up pantry located on 109 Street, outside of Remedy Café in Garneau. While part of the national Pop-Up Period initiative, this particular pantry is run in partnership with the YWCA. While volunteers check on the pantry to ensure that it remains stocked, we rely upon monetary donations in addition to product donations in order to keep it supplied throughout the year.
If you are interested in making a monetary donation specifically to this initiative, please visit the Period Pop-Up Edmonton GoFundMe page.
Period Pop-Up Edmonton »You can help break the cycle of period poverty.
Whether you choose to get involved with the fight against period poverty in your own community or you wish to help on a broader level, there are several tangible ways that you can help today.
Donate Products
With multiple donation bins around the city, connecting your fellow Edmontonians with the supplies they need has never been easier.
Read Our Donation Guide » Find A Donation Bin »Make A Monetary Donation
You can make a difference without leaving the comfort of your home. A single, one-time donation through PayPal can enable us to stock up on supplies; a recurring donation can help us meet the monthly demand for period products in the Edmonton area.
Volunteer With Us
Behind everything we do are volunteers like you. Our volunteers allow us to coordinate donation pickups and dropoffs, plan and host events, and promote our cause.
Sign Up To Volunteer »Start A Conversation
Through our social media accounts, we work to open a dialogue about menstruation, as well as to educate the general public. While these topics are traditionally taboo in many cultures, we believe that having frank and factual conversations can help normalize these issues and make discussing them more comfortable.
To join the conversation, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
All Cycles YEG on Facebook » All Cycles YEG on Instagram »Our Beneficiaries
Donations to All Cycles Edmonton are redistributed to local organizations that are in need of menstrual products and support feminist and queer-friendly policies.
To learn more about our beneficiaries, click or tap on their names below.
Boyle Street Community Services
The mission of Boyle Street Community Services is to build and provide community support for people with multiple barriers to inclusion. Their vision is to see that all people grow healthier through involvement in strong, accepting and respectful communities.
Contact Information
10116 105 Ave NWEdmonton, AB T5H 0K2
(780) 424 4106 Website
Chew Project YEG
The CHEW Project's vision is to provide frontline support, opportunities for health and wellness, and to help find hope for LGBTQ2S+ youth and young adults facing various barriers, such as homelessness, violence, poverty, and exploitation.
Contact Information
11725 Jasper Ave NWEdmonton, AB T5K 0N4
(780) 492 3740 Website
Elizabeth Fry Society
The Elizabeth Fry Society advances the dignity and worth of all women and girls who are or may be at risk of becoming criminalized. Their programs include court programs, housing programs, and programs specifically for indigenous women.
Contact Information
Suite 90010242 105 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 3L5
Edmonton Area: (780) 421 1175 Toll Free: 1 (866) 421 1175 Website
iHuman
iHuman is all about creating workable pathways for Edmonton youth to live healthy lives. Through these pathways, iHuman staff work with youth to establish a support system and build trust relationships.
Contact Information
9635 102A Ave NWEdmonton, AB T5H 0G3
(780) 421 8811 Website
Old Strathcona Youth Services
The Old Strathcona Youth Services' mission is to provide purposeful resources and create a safe and supportive environment that fosters youth empowerment and development.
Contact Information
10325 83 AveEdmonton, AB T6E 2C6
(780) 496 5947 Website
Parkland Pregnancy Support Centre
The Parkland Pregnancy Support Center offers crisis pregnancy support for pregnant people, new parents, and families with toddlers
Contact Information
Suite D15B Alberta Ave
Spruce Grove, AB T7X 3B1
(780) 962-5505 Website
Recovery Acres
Recovery Acres is an addiction recovery centre that helps their clients to: develop alternative behaviors and attitudes toward alcohol and drugs, transition back to regular life through community and employment, and connect with the resources that will help them thrive upon gradutation.
Contact Information
6329 118 AveEdmonton, AB T5W 1G2
(780) 471 2996 Website
The George Spady Society
The George Spady Society is recognized as a leader in the development and delivery of effective services for the care, treatment and support of individuals with substance-related disorders and dual diagnoses. People who come to us find dignity, hope, and healing as they set a new path towards health and well-being.
Contact Information
10015 105A AveEdmonton, AB T5H 0M5
(780) 424 8355 Website
The Quiltbag
The Quiltbag is an LGBTQ+ retail shop carrying queer and trans wares.
Contact Information
7603 104 Str NWEdmonton, AB T6E 4C3
(780) 784 5265 Website
Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS)
YESS serves youth ages 15-21 in their shelter residence programs, and youth afes 15-24 in their daytime programs.
Contact Information
9310 82 AveEdmonton, AB T6C 0Z6
(780) 468 7070 Website