WATERLOO – The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington and Shoppers Drug Mart recently announced the 10th annual “Love You” Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women.
For the first time ever, participants will have the opportunity to attend the Run for Women virtually or in-person on May 15 at 8:30am at Bingeman Park.
The pandemic has exposed inequities for women’s mental health, organizers say, and CMHA WW and Shoppers Drug Mart want to help.
“Healthy women are key to healthy communities, and they need our continued support,” says CMHA WW CEO Helen Fishburn.
“Since the onset of the pandemic, more than half of the calls received for crisis services through Here 24/7 and IMPACT (Integrated Mobile Police and Crisis Team) are from women. Many of them are reaching out for support with anxiety and depression, suicidal ideation, and relationship conflicts.”
Fishburn said referrals for eating disorders programs at CMHA WW have tripled since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Women entering the first step program may be experiencing social phobia, bipolar disorder, and generalized anxiety and there is a growing waitlist for this program.
“Every dollar raised by the Love You by Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women supports mothers, daughters and friends in our community,” Fishburn added.
“Initiatives like Run for Women help our organization deliver and expand programs that provide women with the unique support they need.”
Proceeds from the registration fee for Waterloo area participants go directly to CMHA WW. Registration also includes a Run for Women finisher swag bag worth over $100, a special edition 10th anniversary technical T-shirt and bracelet.
Mental health champion and Shopper’s Run for Women team captain Ellie Hook created Team Darcy in honour of her best friend’s daughter who lost her battle with mental health struggles and the team has raised over $18,000 for CMHA WW through the Run for Women.
“This mental health crisis is world-wide, and it needs to be addressed,” says Hook.
Make a difference
“The services offered by CMHA WW provide the support and resources needed to work through these challenges.
“I participate in the annual Run for Women to show my love and support for women facing similar challenges and encourage all Canadians to run or walk this May 15th to show their support.”
To make a difference for the women in your community and join in on the fun, sign up at RunForWomen.ca before May 10.
Use the promo code: CMHAWATERLOO for $5 off registration.
