LOVE YOU Run for Women: $400,000 raised!
On Saturday, June 11, a record number of runners and walkers returned to the grounds of Women’s College Hospital (WCH) to participate in the 10th annual Shoppers Drug Mart LOVE YOU Run for Women in Toronto.
It was the first time in three years that the event has taken place in person and the outpouring of support was tremendous! Over 2,300 people registered to participate either in person or virtually, and the event raised a record-breaking $400,000!
Proceeds and fundraising from the Shoppers Drug Mart LOVE YOU Run for Women directly support the Department of Psychiatry at Women’s College Hospital, Canada’s largest mental health program with a special focus on the unique mental healthcare needs of women.
The pre-race ceremony was hosted by Olympic gold medalist Kate Van Buskirk, and we were thrilled to welcome Minister Carolyn Bennett and His Worship John Tory, who sounded the starting whistle to kick off the race.
Dr. Simone Vigod, head of the department of psychiatry at Women’s College Hospital, sees the direct impact this event has on her and her team’s ability to provide care to patients. “Every year, our program conducts over 22,000 patient visits, helping women of all ages and across the life stages to access life-changing care and treatment. Your generosity allows us to continue to advance this critical work,” she says. “Thanks to support from the Shoppers Drug Mart LOVE YOU Run for Women, we’re able to break down more barriers to care that are preventing women from receiving the treatment and support they need and deserve.”
Watch this special video message from Dr. Simone Vigod about the impact of everyone’s participation in this year’s run.
According to Jennifer Bernard, President & CEO, WCH Foundation, support for the Toronto Run for Women extends well beyond Toronto and the walls of Women’s. “The incredible community that includes families, corporations, staff and volunteers fuels our innovation and allows our programs to drive world-class research,” she says. “We’re so grateful to have such a passionate community that was ready to come back in person for this important cause. On behalf of the WCH and WCH Foundation communities, I extend a heartfelt thanks to Shoppers Drug Mart for their leadership, the runners and walkers and everyone who came out to support Women’s and mental health. Thank you!”
