Community steps up for women’s mental health
More than 1,700 community members gathered for the 14th annual Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women Markham on May 24 in support of Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH).
Shoppers Drug Mart and the Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health announced this year’s event raised $280,000 to date. These funds will continue to support Women’s Wellness programs provided through the Gulshan & Pyarali G. Nanji Mental Health Services.
The Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women launched in 2013 and has evolved into the largest event series in Canada dedicated to women’s mental health, taking place in 18 cities across the country.
Women continue to experience disproportionate impacts on their mental health and are often misdiagnosed, misrepresented, and misunderstood due to inequities in health care. MSH Foundation and Shoppers Drug Mart aim to help by bringing the community together in support of local women’s mental health programs.
“These programs are a lifeline for many of us,” says Alia Del Bianco, grateful patient and event guest speaker. “They’re not only a place to come together, they’re also a place to share stories, not feel alone, and learn ways to cope that we can carry with us in our everyday lives.”
Government funding alone cannot support all of the hospital’s priorities and evolving needs. Dynamic partnerships, coupled with community investment, enable the hospital to provide specialized programs that deliver connected care to our growing, aging, and diverse community.
“The support behind this event helps ensure women in our community can access the mental health care they need, close to home,” says Suzette Strong, CEO of MSH Foundation. “We are so grateful to Shoppers Drug Mart, the Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health, and everyone who came together today to support women’s wellness at MSH.”
Programs including Art Therapy Group, Mindfulness Skills Group, Interpersonal Psychotherapy Group, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Postpartum Depression, provide meaningful care to women across the region and support more than 1,200 patient visits annually. These services are open to all existing Oak Valley Health patients through referral.
Until July 1, donations can continue to be made towards the Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women Markham. Community support for women’s health will be generously matched by The Nanji Family Foundation, up to $50,000, helping every gift make twice the impact. Donate online at mshf.on.ca/events/26runforwomen.
Photo: Some of the faster runners start the race at the 2026 Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women Markham.