Last year more than 20,000 West Island women of all ages sought help from the 40 community groups that receive funding from West Island Community Shares. They were struggling with cancer, eating disorders, family crisis, depression and much more. Thanks to the Pharmaprix “Growing Women’s Health” campaign to benefit West Island Community Shares, they’ll continue to find help close to home. Formerly known as the Tree of Life, this year it raised a record $30,206. Since its inception in 2002, it has raised more than $280,000 for West Island Community Shares.
“Thank you to West Island Pharmaprix owners, staff and customers for their incredible generosity,” said Caroline Tison, Executive Director of West Island Community Shares. “Their support means that all West Islanders in need will find hope, comfort and support in their own community.” Ms. Tison noted that West Island Pharmaprix store owners are also corporate partners who help to cover operational costs. This allows West Island Community Shares to distribute 100% of donations raised to the 40 local community groups it supports.
Anorexia et boulimie Québec is one of those groups. “I really feel that I’ve progressed since getting help from ANEB. I have developed alternative coping mechanisms and now use them rather than turning to food to deal with my problems,” said one West Island ANEB client.
The “Growing Women’s Health” campaign was held in 10 West Island Pharmaprix stores last fall. Cashiers offered customers the opportunity to purchase and personalize a “Growing Women’s Health” icon; a “leaf” for a loonie, a “butterfly” for $5, an “apple” for $10 and a “bird” for $50. The icons were displayed on the Growing Women’s Health Tree in all participating stores.
West Island Community Shares is dedicated to helping West Islanders in need. With the help of caring citizens, companies and associations, it raises crucial funds for 40 local community groups. 1 in 5 West Islanders needs the help of these groups each year.
West Island Community Shares’ 2015-2016 campaign, with a goal of raising $1,200,000, runs until March 31, 2016. For information on the groups funded or to make a donation, visit www.communityshares.ca.
