Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health has pledged a landmark $10 million donation to the Manitoba Government’s newly established MMIWG2S+ Healing and Empowerment Fund. This commitment will provide ongoing, accessible healing programs for families and children affected by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Peoples (MMIWG2S+), according to a news release.
The endowment fund, held by The Winnipeg Foundation, is a key initiative within Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag (“All Women Doing Well”), Manitoba’s provincial strategy dedicated to the safety, protection, and empowerment of Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse individuals. Established in May 2024 with an initial $15 million investment from the Manitoba Government, the fund responds to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ 231 Calls to Justice.
“As the largest single donation from Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health, this agreement is a demonstration of our ongoing commitment to furthering equity in women’s health and ensuring the wellbeing of women across Canada,” said Jeff Leger, President of Shoppers Drug Mart and Chair of Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health.
“Thanks to the leadership of the Government of Manitoba and the ongoing work of community partners, we are proud to play a role in advancing a more sustained approach to healing and empowerment for Indigenous women, girls, and 2Spirit peoples across the province.”
The $10 million donation will be distributed over five years, with an initial $6 million investment in 2025. The fund will support culturally responsive and trauma-informed initiatives to assist affected families, ensuring long-term stability and resources for those impacted by the ongoing crisis of MMIWG2S+, said the Foundation.
“Every one of us has a role to play in building a better future for Indigenous women, girls and 2Spirit peoples,” said Nahanni Fontaine, Minister responsible for women and gender equity. “This significant commitment extended by Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health is an example of how corporations and their charitable efforts can contribute to ending violence, racism and discrimination against Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender diverse people and action reconciliation with real, tangible support.”
Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health is the charitable arm of Shoppers Drug Mart and is dedicated to addressing health inequities affecting Canadian women. The Foundation has committed to investing $50 million by 2026 to enhance access to healthcare, representation in health research, and support for women facing poverty and domestic violence. More information can be found at shoppersfoundation.ca.
Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. is one of Canada’s most recognized retail brands, operating over 1,350 pharmacies nationwide. The company also provides specialty drug distribution, long-term care pharmacy services, and rehabilitation services through its subsidiary networks. Shoppers Drug Mart is an independent operating division of Loblaw Companies Limited.
Related Retail Insider stories:
