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Staples Canada is enhancing its support for MAP, Canada's largest health equity research center, to 'Close the Gap' on inequity in Canada. This initiative marks the fourth year of its Even The Odds partnership with the renowned organization. 'Close the Gap' is a campaign that sheds light on actual health challenges encountered by underprivileged communities across Canada and strives to eradicate significant disparities in health equity. The funds collected will further aid essential programs for underserved communities, striving to combat childhood health inequities, dismantle obstacles to healthcare and disease prevention, and establish routes out of chronic homelessness.
Until May 26, Staples patrons can contribute to Even the Odds at any Staples Canada store or online at Staples.ca/EvenTheOdds. Staples will double all donations up to $500,000 to support the life-saving research and solutions conducted by MAP and its scientists for creating more equitable communities.
With this funding, Staples and MAP have expanded their equity-building initiatives throughout Canada to create meaningful and lasting impact in underserved communities, which include:
- Supporting a healthy start for almost 5,000 children in underserved communities: In 2023, Even the Odds expanded its support of award-winning health promotion initiative APPLE Schools, bringing it to new elementary schools in Ontario and continuing to support schools in Alberta. APPLE Schools helps children in underserved communities to eat better, move more and feel happier – learning healthy habits that last a lifetime.
- Helping to create the largest cross-Canada conversation about the future of primary care: In 2022-2023, MAP's OurCare research group surveyed and engaged nearly 10 thousand Canadians to determine the public's expectations, how they define good primary care, and what policy changes they recommend to shape a stronger, more equitable system.
- Launching the first Our Healthbox's in Canada: In 2023, Even The Odds helped launch Canada's first Our Healthbox "smart" vending machines, dispensing hundreds of free HIV self-tests, naloxone kits and other health supplies on demand to improve access to care and disease prevention in the maritime provinces.
- Expanding MAP's innovative Navigator program, designed to help break the cycle of homelessness and poor health. In 2023, MAP brought Navigator to British Columbia. The hospital-based outreach program helps unhoused patients recover after injury or illness and connects them to vital community services.
"This is an important milestone for our fundraising efforts in support of MAP and we're immensely proud of the contributions the Even the Odds partnership has made in promoting health equity in communities throughout Canada," said Rachel Huckle, CEO, Staples Canada. "We look forward to continuing to drive the momentum of awareness of Even the Odds through our Close the Gap campaign and provide vital funding to programs we value deeply, including APPLE Schools, Navigator and Our Healthbox."
Starting today, Staples is increasing support for Even the Odds through the launch of the Close the Gap marketing campaign – the largest fundraising campaign in the partnership's history. The mass media marketing campaign aims to raise awareness of the need to end health inequities and close Canada's health gap. Funds raised will continue to support vital programming for underserved communities across Canada, working to help end childhood health inequities, break down barriers to care and disease prevention, and create pathways out of chronic homelessness. The integrated campaign will be featured in television, digital, and outdoor signage assets, and across all Staples stores in Canada.
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Agencies behind Close the Gap campaign?
- Public Relations - Golin Canada
- Brand - Staples Canada
(click on the link to view the agency's Vendor Directory listing)
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