Stories of HopeSHOPPERS LOVE. YOU. Run For Women raises over $311,000 for Women's Mental Health
Posted on: Jun 05, 2018On May 26, over 2,200 passionate participants, along with their families, friends, and cheerleaders proved that it can also help the fight for women's mental health.
Running has been said to burn calories, build muscle, relieve stress, and boost your heart health.
This year, the annual SHOPPERS LOVE. YOU. Run For Women raised an astounding $308,000 leading up to, and an additional $3,000 on the race day all in support of women's mental health programs at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women.
"Without question, the fundraising results of the 2018 Run for Women surpassed any of our hoped-for expectations. There are many runs in this city throughout the summer season, but this event is above and beyond—in meaning, purpose, spirit, and the doors it opens to continued conversations about mental health," shared Sharlene Rutherford, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. "The Shoppers Drug Mart team in the greater Edmonton area are making an incredible impact and helping many women who struggle daily with what can be a devastating illness. Once again the team at Shoppers has raised this bar significantly."
The Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation and the Lois Hole Hospital for Women were pleased to have Honourary Race Marshal, MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville Jessica Littlewood, share words on behalf of the Honourable Sarah Hoffman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
"It's good to raise awareness and lift the lid off the stigma, by doing things like this and bringing people together," Littlewood shared with the sold-out crowd. "Our government is proud to work together with the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, Shoppers Drug Mart, and the Lois Hole Hospital for Women to ensure access to mental health supports are readily available for women who need them."
The run was attended by different people for different reasons. Stopping to chat with any participant made it very clear that mental health touches all and each had their own reason to join the race.
"We work at the Royal Alexandra Hospital's Lois Hole Hospital for Women in labour and delivery and we're walking for all of our patients today," shared a staff member of the hospital who was there with her co-workers.
Realizing that some reasons were more personal than others as one racer shared "I'm actually running for my mom today who passed away due to suicide after her struggle with depression and schizophrenia."
Such an important day, for such an important cause.
Thank you Shoppers Drug Mart! Your passion for this project is the fuel that ignites and inspires everyone to do more. Thank you for setting the course.
