New funding aims to transform how women access health services nationwide
The Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health has announced an investment of $1.75 million through its Community Grants Program, addressing gaps in women’s healthcare across Canada. According to a news release, the initiative will support 27 organizations with grants of up to $100,000 each, targeting community-led initiatives that aim to improve health equity for women nationwide.
The funding comes at a crucial time, as women’s health faces a crisis in Canada. Despite women representing 70% of patients with “medically unexplained symptoms,” only 7% of national funding is allocated to women’s health research. This disparity creates barriers to quality care and puts women’s lives at risk, according to the foundation.
“The funding delivered across Canada through our Community Grants program supports vital local charitable programs, awareness initiatives, and improved access to care for women,” said Paulette Minard, director of community investment at Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health. “Working together with these grant recipients, Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health is committed to making care more equitable and accessible so that all women in Canada can lead healthier lives.”
The grant recipients span diverse areas of women’s health, including support for women experiencing homelessness and gender-based violence, those in remote or rural communities, as well as initiatives focused on maternal health, menstrual equity, and mental health.
One notable recipient is the BC Society of Transition Houses (BCSTH), which received $100,000 to address menstrual education and equity through its BCSTH Menstrual Equity Project. The organization was able to provide menstrual products to nearly 5,000 women, many in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.
“Violence impacts not only women’s safety and health, but also creates significant financial barriers to equality and well-being,” said Amy S. FitzGerald, executive director at BCSTH. “This initiative has helped ease some of the burdens faced by women and girls living with violence.”
Organizations like Christie Refugee Welcome Centre in Toronto, which received $14,800 for its Refugee Women’s Wellness Program, and The Black Women’s Institute for Health, also in Toronto, which received $100,000 for its “Mothering Minds: Motherhood & Mental Health Support” program, are among the recipients.
Since 2022, the Foundation has supported 99 community-led organizations through its Community Grants Program.
