Founder of Hamilton’s Mabel’s Labels champions cause that hits close to home

Hamilton | Community | Health | People |

By

Published April 26, 2022 at 12:57 pm

Julie Cole Mabel's Labels Hamilton St. Joe's
Julie Cole is the co-founder of Mabel's Labels and this year's Run for Women Community Champion, which will raise money for women's mental health and addiction programs and services at St. Joe's. (Handout photo)

A well known Hamilton entrepreneur and mother of six is donning her running shoes in an effort to raise money for and awareness about women’s mental health supports and programs in Hamilton.

Internationally renowned parenting and lifestyle blogger, Julie Cole, who is perhaps best known as the co-founder of Mabel’s Labels, is St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton’s 2022 Run for Women Community Champion.

Cole is among those participating in Hamilton’s Run for Women on May 14, which raises funds for mental health and addiction care at St. Joe’s.

For Cole, whose livelihood is all about labels, the run is also about tossing out some outdated labels and stigmas associated with mental health and addictions.

“This year, I’m participating in the Run for Women because, after more than two years of COVID-19, the last thing any woman needs is to be labelled for seeking out the care they need,” Cole said.

“Stress, anxiety and depression are all common and normal reactions to this pandemic, and even the strongest among us need help sometimes. To these women, I want to say, ‘You are not alone, there is support out there, and hope for recovery and it’s available right here in your community, right at St. Joe’s.’”

The hospital has noted a growing demand for mental health substance use care since the onslaught of the pandemic.

“Women are facing unprecedented levels of anxiety, stress and depression,” said Dr Randi McCabe, psychologist and director of the mental health and addictions program at St. Joe’s.

“At St. Joe’s, we’re here to help any woman who arrives at our doors with no labels, no stigma, just compassionate care delivered in a safe space built with our community in mind.”

This year’s LOVE. YOU. by Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women takes place in person at Confederation Park. The run can also be completed virtually on a route of one’s choice and participants can run or walk 5 km, 10 km, or take part in the 1 km Little Steps distance for children and families.

Last year’s Run for Women raised $110,000 to support women’s mental health programs at the hospital and the hope is, with Cole as St. Joe’s Champion this year, even more can be raised.

To participate in this year’s event, visit the Run for Women website or sponsor Cole and her ‘Mabel’s Labels Magic’ team by visiting their team page.

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising