In a remarkable display of community spirit, Markham residents have rallied behind women’s mental health initiatives, generating an unprecedented $461,000 through the annual Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women. The event, which took place last weekend, saw over 2,000 participants walking and running through the streets of Markham in a powerful demonstration of solidarity with those affected by mental health challenges.
“The team saved my life,” shared Rebecca Kim, a 34-year-old Markham resident who participated in the event. Kim, who struggled with postpartum depression after the birth of her second child, received critical support from Markham Stouffville Hospital’s women’s mental health programs. “When I was at my lowest point, not knowing if I could continue, the healthcare professionals at MSH gave me the tools and support to find myself again.”
The fundraiser has seen extraordinary growth since its inception, with this year’s total representing a 20% increase from last year’s contributions. These funds are directed specifically toward supporting mental health programs at Markham Stouffville Hospital that focus on women during vulnerable life transitions, including pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and menopause.
Dr. Jennifer Walsh, Chief of Mental Health Services at Markham Stouffville Hospital, emphasized the critical importance of these specialized programs. “Women face unique mental health challenges that often coincide with hormonal and life transitions,” Dr. Walsh explained. “The funds raised through this event allow us to provide timely interventions that can quite literally save lives.”
The event’s success reflects growing recognition of mental health as a crucial component of overall wellbeing. According to recent data from Canada’s Mental Health Commission, approximately one in five Canadian women will experience a mental health disorder during pregnancy or in the year following childbirth, yet many still face significant barriers to accessing appropriate care.
Local businesses played a pivotal role in the fundraiser’s success, with over 75 Markham-area companies contributing through sponsorships and team participation. Notable among these was Markham-based tech firm Enghouse Systems, whose team of 120 employees raised over $45,000 through personal and corporate donations.
“Mental health support isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity,” stated Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, who attended the event and participated in the 5K walk. “The incredible generosity we’ve witnessed today will transform countless lives in our community.”
The funds will enable Markham Stouffville Hospital to expand its women’s mental health programs, including extending evening therapy hours, reducing wait times for specialized care, and launching a new peer support initiative. These enhancements address a critical gap in the healthcare system, where mental health resources often fall short of community needs.
Event organizer Sarah Martinez, from Shoppers Drug Mart’s community outreach team, noted the powerful sense of community that permeated the event. “What makes this run special is seeing women supporting women,” Martinez said. “Many participants are walking in honor of mothers, sisters, or friends who have faced mental health struggles. The personal connection to the cause creates an atmosphere of genuine compassion.”
As mental health awareness continues to grow across Canada, events like the Markham Run for Women represent an essential shift in how communities approach wellbeing. By specifically targeting women’s mental health, the initiative acknowledges the unique challenges that women face and the specialized support they require.
As the sun set on this year’s successful fundraiser, participants and organizers were already looking ahead to next year’s event, with ambitious plans to expand participation and impact. The question now facing the Markham community is not whether they can support women’s mental health initiatives, but how much further they can push the boundaries of compassion and care in the years to come.
