Running Together: Kam and Francesco’s journey

Kam Kooner and Francesco Stagliano, District Managers for Shoppers Drug Mart, are no strangers to the Shoppers Drug Mart^® Run for Women, an annual event held in 18 communities across the country in support of women’s mental health programs. Their involvement with the Run is about more than just participation; it’s about the passion they share for the cause and the camaraderie they’ve built together over the past ten years.   

Both have long histories with the event – Kam has been involved since 2012 and Francesco since 2014, shortly after becoming a District Manager, taking over Kam’s former district. In the early years, they participated in the Markham event, soliciting for an event closer to home in Durham. In 2020, the Run for Women came to Whitby for the first time, and this sparked a fire in both Kam and Francesco to get even more involved as team captains.  

While Kam and Francesco have always cared about mental health, it’s been through their work at Shoppers that they’ve begun to truly understand the impact an event like the Run for Women can have, both on a personal and community level.  

The Whitby Run’s scenic route along the Ontario Shores grounds enhances the experience giving participants the chance to connect with the community while championing a vital cause. Rain or shine, the weather never impacts the Run. It’s the overwhelming feeling of making a difference that truly matters. 

For Kam, the key to making the Run for Women a success is in building a sense of togetherness. “It’s about motivating the team, setting goals, and bringing people together to support a common cause,” says Kam. “Our team members really value the opportunity to get involved in the community and make a difference.” And the friendly competition between him and Francesco? It’s all part of the fun.  

“We challenge each other for sure, and we also stretch each other to fundraise bigger and better,” says Francesco. “But at the end of the day, it’s really one team - we all motivate each other,” he adds. “Having Kam by my side all these years has brought us closer together. We’re not just coworkers, we’re family.”  

The Run for Women isn’t just an event for these two - it’s a movement. It’s about raising awareness, fostering a spirit of unity, and making a tangible difference in the lives of women. Together, Kam and Francesco are not just running - they’re running for a cause that empowers women to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Their dedication serves as a powerful reminder that even small steps, when taken together, can create lasting change.  

Feeling inspired? To learn more about the Shoppers Drug Mart^® Run for Women, or to sign up, visit runforwomen.ca.