Throughout a one month period, Shoppers Drug Mart locations across Canada are teaming up to help celebrate women's health.

The Growing Women's Health campaign is in its 15th year, with over $29-million raised nationally to date.

Local branches are given the opportunity to partner with a local charity in order to keep funds raised within the community.

In Humboldt, money raised is going to the Humboldt and District Food Bank, according to Owner Bill Gerla.

"It's very important that a healthy lifestyle starts with a healthy diet," he explained on their charity choice. "If women aren't able to get proper nutrition, there's a chance they get sick and aren't able to care for children as well as the rest of the family."

Gerla added that being able to keep money local has been more well-received than when the funds go outside of the Humboldt area.

"We've been given the opportunity to engage in local charities. We feel that we like to have our customers and ourselves support local charities as much as possible."

He says that in supporting the campaign, it is as simple as signing your name on a paper cutout.

"Customers come in and purchase a leaf or an apple, a bird, whatever the category is, there is one, five, ten or fifty dollar options," said Gerla. "Whatever they choose, all that money goes to the local charity that we have chosen."

Gerla hopes to raise atleast $2,200 for the food bank, adding that he believes it is a goal that will be well-surpassed given the support received already.

The campaign runs until October 7.


You can hear more from Gerla below.