Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ Contributes $12.8M, Empowering Over 1 Million Women in 2024
The Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ has released its highly anticipated second annual Impact Report, which showcases the remarkable strides made in 2024 towards its overarching goal of investing $50 million by 2026 to advance women’s health. This initiative is aimed at improving access to care, raising awareness, and funding critical research to address the unique health needs of women.
The Foundation is pleased to announce that in 2024, it donated an impressive $12.8 million, benefiting more than 380 partner organizations and making a significant impact on the lives of over 1 million women across Canada. This brings the total amount contributed since the Foundation’s inception to more than $34 million, underscoring the ongoing commitment to promoting women’s health across the country.
These fundraising efforts, which continue to gain momentum, are propelled by a variety of signature events and strategic partnerships. Each initiative is designed to foster community engagement and further the Foundation’s mission of creating a more equitable healthcare landscape for women.
Shoppers Drug Mart® Run for Women
A cornerstone of the Foundation’s fundraising initiatives is the Shoppers Drug Mart® Run for Women, the largest event series in Canada dedicated to women’s mental health. This annual event, which includes both 5k and 10k run/walk options, takes place in 18 different communities across Canada. Since its inception in 2013, the Run for Women has raised over $23 million in support of local mental health charities that are working to improve access to mental health care and support services for Canadian women.
In 2024 alone, the event raised more than $3 million, drawing over 27,000 runners and walkers to participate. This record-breaking turnout reflects the growing commitment of Canadian communities to addressing women’s mental health challenges and supporting the vital services that women rely on.
Menstrual Equity
One of the significant areas of focus for the Foundation is menstrual equity, which continues to be a critical issue affecting women and those who menstruate across Canada. Many individuals experience barriers in accessing menstrual products, which can have a profound impact on their overall health, well-being, and dignity.
The Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ is actively addressing this issue through strategic partnerships with organizations like Moon Time Connections, The Period Purse, Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, and BC Society of Transition Houses, among others. These partnerships help increase access to menstrual products for those in need while also promoting education to break the stigma surrounding menstruation. The Foundation is committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable future for people who menstruate, ensuring that menstrual equity is a priority in the fight for gender equality.
Community Grants
The Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ Community Grants Program plays a key role in advancing the Foundation’s mission by supporting organizations that are actively working to address women’s health equity. These grants are intended to fund awareness campaigns and improve access to care for women across Canada. In 2024, the program committed a total of $2.84 million to support 41 community-led initiatives that are working to create a lasting impact on the lives of women. These community-driven projects span a wide range of health issues, from mental health and reproductive rights to access to basic healthcare services for underserved populations.
Beauty Mingles
Beauty Mingles are local fundraising events held at most Shoppers Drug Mart® and Pharmaprix® locations throughout the year, including in the spring, fall, and just before the holiday season. These in-store events offer customers the chance to enjoy beauty makeovers and skin care consultations from expert Beauty Specialists. More importantly, the funds raised through Beauty Mingles go directly to supporting local women’s health programwith 100% of the donations staying within the community. In 2024, these beauty events raised an impressive $4.9 million, highlighting the power of community engagement and the importance of supporting women’s health initiatives through unique and enjoyable fundraising opportunities.
Giving Shelter
Every fall, Shoppers Drug Mart® and Pharmaprix® stores across Canada come together for the Giving Shelter campaign, which raises funds and awareness for women’s shelters. One hundred percent of in-store donations are directed to local women’s shelters, ensuring that the funds stay within the communities where they are most needed. The Giving Shelter initiative supports over 300 women’s shelters and partner organizations, providing vital resources and services to women and their families who are seeking refuge from violence or hardship.
These donations help shelters provide everything from temporary housing and food to counseling and legal services, offering a lifeline to those who need it most. In 2024, the campaign made a tremendous impact, supporting thousands of women and their families as they rebuilt their lives.
