Innisfil resident Nina La Costa participated in Shoppers Drug Mart’s Run for Women for the third consecutive year earlier this month.
“I became involved in the Run for Women to support women's mental health programs in Canada because I believe in the importance of mental health and understand the unique challenges women face,” La Costa said. “Participating in this event allows me to contribute to a cause that promotes awareness, provides critical resources, and empowers women to achieve better mental well-being. It's a way for me to give back to the community and help ensure that women have access to the support and care they need — myself included."
According to the run's website, "Women experience depression and anxiety twice as often as men, and are 3x more likely to face barriers to services."
When asked what she thought about that, La Costa explained, “This statement underscores the urgent need for focused mental-health support. Women not only experience depression and anxiety at twice the rate of men but face significant barriers to services.”
“I've personally seen how women are often not taken seriously when seeking help in the (emergency room) and even with (general practitioners). Initiatives like the Run for Women are crucial in raising awareness and funding programs that make mental-health services more accessible for women, helping to reduce these disparities.”
La Costa is the team lead for Mindful Minds, whose fundraising efforts will benefit Toronto's Women’s College Hospital (WCH).
“Established in 1998, the program at WCH has evolved into a global leader in women's mental health, offering innovative treatment, education and research,” La Costa explained on her fundraising page.
With events held in 18 communities, participants can opt to walk five kilometres or run 10 kilometres at an organized event, or they choose to walk or run the virtual 5K/10K Walk/Run, which means that the participant is responsible for tracking and completing the event. La Costa chose the latter.
The Run for Women event series has raised over $20 million.
Andrea Diaz was among the friends who not only made a donation, but joined La Costa when she completed her 5K walk on June 8.
“Participating in the run/walk with Nina was truly a memorable experience, and I wanted to commend her on her efforts in spreading awareness for such an important cause such as supporting women’s health,” Diaz said.
“It was inspiring to see Nina promote and advocate for the cause, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to support her in this endeavour. The event was a great way to empower and encourage other women, and I believe that together, we can make a positive impact. Walking in the rain with Nina was not only rewarding but also gratifying. Being able to contribute both financially, physically and emotionally to the cause was a fulfilling experience, and I look forward to participating again in the future.”
La Costa wanted to raise $1,000 for the cause. At the time of writing, she had more than doubled it.
“To my donors — thank you! Thank you for not only supporting my fundraiser but supporting me, Your donations help make mental health services more accessible, making a real difference in communities across the country,” she said.
Next year’s run events are already advertised in cities across Canada, including Toronto, Oakville and Markham, Calgary and Edmonton, Alta., Quebec City and Montreal, Que., and St. John’s, N.L.
“With the increase in support each year towards my fundraiser, I'm looking into working with the town to possibly join forces next year and encourage more of the community to participate,” La Costa said.
She envisions Innisfil becoming "the landmark town for Run for Women of the North with funds directed to CMHA Simcoe County."
Donations for this year’s run are being collected until July 1, and any donation of $20 or more is eligible for an official income-tax receipt.
To donate to La Costa’s fundraising effort, click here.
