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Women for Women's 2023
From fundraising galas to educational seminars, our events brought people together to support Women’s College Hospital’s (WCH) mission of advancing the health of women and revolutionizing healthcare for all. We celebrate the resilience and determination of our donor community as we persevered to raise critical funds for WCH, both virtually and in-person. Returning to in-person events, after three years apart, was inspiring. We are proud to share the successes of the past year and look forward to many more community gatherings.
WOMEN FOR WOMEN’S 2023
On International Women’s Day, March 8, we welcomed a sold-out audience of 900 guests in-person at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for our signature fundraising gala — Women for Women’s. We heard from WCH medical professionals, grateful patients and are thrilled to share that the event raised more than $630,000 to address the greatest and most urgent priority needs at Women’s College Hospital, proving once again that our community of supporters and allies can create monumental change towards a more equitable healthcare system.
SHOPPERS RUN FOR WOMEN 2022
On June 11, for the first time in three years, a record number of runners and walkers returned to the grounds of Women’s College Hospital to participate in the 10th annual LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart® Run for Women in Toronto. Over 2,300 people registered to participate either in person or virtually, and the event raised a record-breaking $400,000. The funds raised directly supported the Department of Psychiatry at WCH, one of Canada’s largest mental health program with a special focus on the unique mental healthcare needs of women.
BLACK WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE SUMMIT 2022
The 2022 Black Women’s Healthcare Summit embodied our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable healthcare system for Black women, and for all. With diverse perspectives, dynamic discussions, and innovative ideas, the Summit showcased the power of a community that values inclusion and access for everyone. Close to 200 attendees gathered in-person together to explore and address important questions surrounding systematic inequities within healthcare, and the realities Black women face as they navigate the healthcare system.
In Conversation With… Pride Toronto
Women’s College Hospital Foundation partnered with Pride Toronto to share an important and meaningful conversation during Trans Awareness Week in November 2022. The online webinar featured Dr. Laura Stratton (she/her), Primary Care Physician at WCH, and Yuri Hernandez (they/them), Co-Chair, Board of Directors of Pride Toronto, for an in-depth discussion rooted in lived experience about the importance of self-care in the trans community.
In Conversation With… Rhonelle Bruder
Rhonelle currently works at Women’s College Research Institute as a Ph.D. Research Trainee on the Addressing Sex Trafficking Through Education and Research (ASTER) team, led by Dr. Janice Du Mont and Dr. Robin Mason. Rhonelle joined WCHF for an eye-opening conversation about sex trafficking, and how research that centres survivors’ experiences is helping to transform care and resources for those who need it most. This event is generously supported by the Human Anti-Trafficking Response Team.
Our Community’s Support: Third-Party Events
NeWCHapter
Established in 2007, neWCHapter is a group of dedicated and passionate young professionals committed to raising awareness and funds in support of Women’s College Hospital. This past year, neWCHapter engaged our local Toronto communities in various in-person events and workshops, including their annual fitness event, a Charity Ride: Spin and Sculpt.
Metals and Mountains
Tierney Courage and Andrew Bradbury were deeply moved by the unwavering support of their care team at Women’s College Hospital. “It’s important for everyone – both men and women – to support women’s health and access to women’s healthcare services,” says Andrew. To give back and bring their community together, the couple decided to hold a fundraiser in support of WCH which raised over $26,000.
