News Shoppers Drug Mart™ supports emergency needs of women accessing women’s shelters in Alberta with new fund Shoppers Drug Mart™ supports emergency needs of women accessing women’s shelters in Alberta with new fund 12 May 2020 Edmonton, Alberta – Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS) today announced their partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart™ to support the emergency needs of women fleeing domestic violence in Alberta. ACWS member shelters can access the Women’s Shelter Fund to support the emergency needs of women in crisis. Alberta Pharmacist-owners are committed to women’s health brought to life through its program LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart™. The fund, managed by Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, was created to help shelters meet the health and safety needs of women, children, and seniors accessing their services where other funding sources may leave gaps. Member shelters can access the fund to help provide enhanced supports like safe transportation, medication, food, and alternate housing. In addition to their financial sponsorship, local Shoppers Drug Mart™ stores will display posters from ACWS equipping store employees and customers with the knowledge to identify signs of domestic abuse as well as how to connect with supports available at women’s shelters by calling 1-866-331-3933 anytime. Through their Leading Change call to action, ACWS will also train pharmacists on recognizing and responding to domestic violence in their workplace. Evidence suggests that during and after a crisis, incidents of domestic violence can increase and worsen. Especially during the coronavirus pandemic, Albertans need to know that if they are not feeling safe at home, they can get help from a women’s shelter in person or by phone. “Alberta Shoppers Drug Mart™ stores are proud to be putting women’s health first by supporting emergency needs in women’s shelters. As a pharmacist and store owner, I recognize that we are in a unique position to recognize and respond to domestic violence.” – Lena Snodgrass, Associate, Shoppers Drug Mart™ “Domestic violence remains an urgent and serious problem in Alberta, and the severity of the violence is on the rise. Now more than ever, women’s shelters provide essential services to women, children, and seniors fleeing abuse across the province. We are grateful for the support of Shoppers Drug Mart™ to help shelters meet these critical needs.” – Jan Reimer, Executive Director, ACWS “We take for granted that there is always food available; or that our medical needs are covered; or that there is always shampoo in the bottle. These women, who are starting out on their own, are already struggling to make ends meet.” – Caroline Sorge, Executive Director, Peace River Regional Women’s Shelter For more information on LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart™, visit shoppersdrugmart.ca/LOVEYOU. About ACWS The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters supports 40 members operating over 50 shelters across the province for women, children, and seniors facing domestic abuse through collective data and research, violence prevention education, and frontline training. Together, we work to end domestic violence. -30- For further information or to arrange for an interview, please contact: Carlynn McAneeley Communications & Partnerships Advisor, ACWS 780-566-3091
