MARKHAM, ON (May 26, 2024) – Today, over 2,000 community supporters participated in the annual
Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women Markham in support of Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville
Hospital (MSH). The longstanding partnership between Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health and
MSH Foundation has raised $430,000 to date. These funds will continue to enable Women’s Wellness
programs for the Gulshan & Pyarali G. Nanji Mental Health Services at the hospital.
L -R: Michelle Beard, Shoppers Drug Mart District Manager for Operations GTA North, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, City ofMarkham, Suzette Strong, CEO, MSH Foundation, Mandeep Singh, Shoppers Drug Mart Associate Owner, Jason Lo, Shoppers Drug Mart District Manager for GTA North, Nadejda (Nadya) Ninos, Shoppers Drug Mart Associate Owner, Craig McOuat, Board Chair, MSH Foundation, Allan Bell, Vice President, Community Relations & Corporate
Partnerships, MSH Foundation and Courtney Sorger, Chief Community Engagement Officer and Executive Lead, Corporate Strategy, Oak Valley Health
The Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women is the largest event series in Canada dedicated to women’s
mental health. Women continue to disproportionately experience impacts to their mental health
compared to men, and MSH Foundation and Shoppers Drug Mart aim to help by bringing communities
together to support local women’s programs.
“Tremendous community partnerships and generous support is essential for Markham Stouffville
Hospital to be able to remain on the cutting-edge of patient care,” says Suzette Strong, CEO, MSH
Foundation. “Every dollar raised helps our expert team deliver and expand programs that provide
women with the unique support they need. We are so grateful for the partnership with Shoppers Drug
Mart for making this possible.”
The support provided to MSH from the Run for Women Markham over the past nine years has helped
shape the hospital’s Women’s Wellness services, which include Art Therapy Group, Mindfulness-Based
Stress Reduction Group, Interpersonal Psychotherapy Group and a support group for women who have
been identified with, or are at risk of postpartum depression. These programs are open to all existing
patients of Oak Valley Health through referral.
“Every year the need for mental health services is growing,” says Teresa Givelas, Patient Care Manager,
Outpatient Mental Health, Oak Valley Health. “The Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women, and all who
make this event possible, are helping us change the landscape of mental health care for the women in
our community, throughout every stage of their lives. Our teams rely on donor support to continue to
provide exceptional mental health care and access to programs dedicated to women’s wellness.”
As the government can’t fund all of the hospital’s top priority needs, dynamic partnerships coupled with
community investment will enable the hospital to meet the needs of our growing, aging, and diverse
community.
There is still time to support women’s mental health in the community. Until July 1, 2024, donations
made towards the Markham run will make double the impact* thanks to generous long-time MSH
supporters, The Nanji Family Foundation. Donate online at www.runforwomen.ca/Markham
*up to $50,000
