A local women’s shelter in Hamilton is partnering with a national pharmacy chain to raise money after the shelter experienced a significant increase in demand.

Interval House of Hamilton has been chosen to be a recipient of funding from the LOVE YOU campaign by Shoppers Drug Mart.

It is the second year in a row Interval House has been chosen to receive funding. LOVE YOU is an annual national fundraising campaign focused on women’s charities.

“Bringing the issues of gender-based violence to the attention of everyone is critically important,” said Nancy Smith, Director of Interval House of Hamilton. “[It is important that] women know we are here for them.”

Smith says she has heard horrific stories of abusers using the COVID-19 pandemic to further control and harm women.

The pandemic has also significantly impacted fundraising efforts. She says the shelter has to raise $700,000 to offset its funding shortfall.

“With the pandemic we’ve had to cancel or severely restrict our opportunities to raise funds,” she said. “So the [LOVE YOU] campaign really helps support our work and helps us keep our doors open.”

Smith says she is thankful for her staff who provides support for women and children in both the community programs and the shelter programs.

“Gender-based violence was declared a pandemic many years ago, so we are really dealing with two pandemics right now,” said Smith.

The national campaign runs Oct. 9 to Nov. 5.

Donations can be made at each store or via www1.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/love-you.

At the stores, shoppers can make $1 to $5 (or more) donations and have their names (if they wish) put on a decal that is placed on the window.

The Interval House of Hamilton’s crisis phone number is 905-387-8881.

For more information click here.