My Sisters’ Place Announces Annual Run for Women in Support of Women’s Mental Health
May 17, 2022
Part of the LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart™ program
May 17, 2022, LONDON – My Sisters’ Place and Shoppers Drug Mart are proud to announce the 10th annual LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart™ Run for Women. This will be the fifth year My Sisters’ Place has partnered with Shoppers Drug Mart for the Run for Women program. The pandemic has exposed inequities for women’s mental health, and My Sisters’ Place and Shoppers Drug Mart want to help. For the first time ever, participants will have the opportunity to attend the Run for Women virtually or in-person on Sunday June 12, 2022 at Harris Park in London.
“The pandemic has exacerbated the challenges that affect at-risk individuals in our community, including those who identify as women. The combination of isolation, health risks of COVID-19, and limited access to community-based supports has left many women feeling lonelier, vulnerable and unsure where to turn for help,” says Kristy Bell, manager of outreach programs at CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services. “Research has shown that gender-focused, low-barrier drop-in programs like My Sisters’ Place play a vital role in the lives of marginalized women. Our mission is to provide a place where participants can access support and support each other through experiences with trauma, mental illness, homelessness, addictions and poverty – a place to foster meaningful community connections.”
“I have faced mental health issues throughout my life, and I found I craved the company of other artisans like myself and was in need of a social outlet,” says Carola Turton, a current participant at the Micro Enterprise, a social enterprise program at My Sisters’ Place. “The Micro Enterprise program has provided a welcoming, safe place where I have built friendships with fantastic women. It has been a wonderful opportunity to contribute and give back to women in need in my community through My Sisters’ Place. I encourage all Londoners to run or walk in the Run for Women to show their support!”
Proceeds from the registration fee for London-area participants go directly to the nutrition program at My Sisters’ Place. In 2020-2021, over 50,000 meals were served at My Sisters’ Place. Registration also includes a legendary Run for Women Finisher Swag Bag worth over $100, a Special Edition 10th Anniversary Technical T-Shirt and Bracelet.
Currently there are around 800 individuals registered for this year’s event, with a goal of surpassing last year’s total of 897 registered participants. Anyone can sign up – through a team or as an individual. Make a difference for the women in your community and join in on the fun by signing up at RunForWomen.ca before June 7, 2022.
If you are interested in helping in a different way, volunteers are vital to guarantee a successful event. Learn more about volunteering here.
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About My Sisters’ Place: My Sisters’ Place is safe, welcoming and inclusive centre that supports women through drop-in and wrap-around services. The program, located in London Ontario, offers a comprehensive multi-disciplinary support system with the capacity to deliver practical needs, specialized services and education/skills development under one roof. My Sisters’ Place is a program of Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services.
About Run for Women: The Run for Women is a celebration of the healing power of a loving community. We also celebrate the power of loving ourselves. Run for Women is a 5K Run/Walk, and 10K Run taking place in 18 cities across Canada. Since 2012, over 150,000 participants have helped raise approximately $14 million for women’s mental health programs across Canada. Research shows that running and walking is as effective as taking medication for mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
About LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart™: Shoppers Drug Mart is committed to putting women’s health first through the LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart™ program, celebrating its 11th anniversary this year. Every woman has a right to the care and support she needs to be healthy and safe, but many face challenges that are tough to overcome alone. That’s why the LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart™ program raises funds to help support women’s health, women’s mental health and women’s shelters focusing on local needs and organizations. Since 2011, the LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart™ program has supported more than 450 women’s charities annually across Canada, thanks to the unwavering support of Canadians from coast to coast.
For more information or to coordinate an interview, please contact:
Kelly Morgan, CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services