On May 14, more than 750 St. Joe’s supporters gathered at Confederation Park in Hamilton, as well as virtually on a route of their choice, to participate in the annual LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women. Together, they raised an incredible $112,000 to help fund women’s mental health and addictions care at our Hospital, and we’re so very grateful.

Community support for this event couldn’t have come at a more important time for women’s mental health. From job loss to juggling work-life balance, coping with isolation to having to care for others, COVID-19 has taken a disproportionate emotional toll on women across Canada, prompting an increase in demand for specialized care at St. Joe’s – the leading provider of mental health and addictions care in our region.

If you’re wondering how your support for the Run for Women may help women in our region, read Annaliese Lawton’s inspiring journey to recovery from postpartum depression with care from our Women’s Health Concerns Clinic. In addition to supporting the Women’s Health Concerns Clinic, proceeds from this year’s Run for Women will help fund care for women of all ages through our Seniors Mental Health Service, Womankind Addiction Service and Youth Wellness Centre.

Since first becoming the grateful beneficiary of the Run for Women in 2018, more than $450,000 has been raised through the event. A special thanks goes out to all the Run for Women teams and individual registrants, participants from local Shoppers Drug Mart stores, our community champion Julie Cole, and our dedicated colleagues at St. Joe’s who take part in this event every year to continue providing the best possible care to our patients. We look forward to seeing you next year for the 2023 Run for Women!