MAP, Canada’s foremost health equity research center, is entering the third year of its ‘Close the Gap’ campaign aimed at addressing inequities in Canada’s healthcare system; thanks to the support of Staples Canada. This initiative sheds light on the real health challenges faced by marginalized communities across the country and endeavors to eliminate critical gaps in health equity. Funds raised will continue to bolster essential programming for underserved communities, striving to eradicate childhood health disparities, dismantle barriers to healthcare and disease prevention, and facilitate pathways out of chronic homelessness.

Rachel Huckle, CEO of Staples Canada, expressed enthusiasm for driving awareness of the ‘Even the Odds’ initiative through the ‘Close the Gap’ campaign and providing crucial funding to valued programs like APPLE Schools, Navigator, and Our Healthbox. Until May 26, Staples customers can contribute to Even the Odds at any of Staples Canada’s 300+ stores or online at Staples.ca/EvenTheOdds, with Staples matching all donations up to $500,000. These donations will support life-saving research and solutions conducted by MAP and its scientists to foster more equitable communities.

Since its inception in 2021, the Even the Odds campaign has raised over $5 million, surpassing its initial goal. With this funding, MAP has expanded its equity-building initiatives nationwide to make meaningful and enduring impacts in underserved communities. The program has benefited nearly 5,000 children in underserved areas, facilitated extensive discussions across Canada about the future of primary care, introduced the first Our Healthbox initiatives in Canada, and expanded the innovative Navigator program, aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness and poor health. In 2023, MAP introduced Navigator to British Columbia, offering hospital-based outreach services to unhoused patients to aid in their recovery after injury or illness and connect them with vital community resources.

Dr. Stephen Hwang, Director of MAP, expressed gratitude for the fundraising efforts of Even the Odds, emphasizing how it has enabled the development and implementation of innovative tools and programs across Canada, leading to lasting impacts.

MAP stands as Canada’s preeminent research center dedicated to health equity and the social determinants of health. Internationally renowned for pioneering science and innovation, MAP develops and implements evidence-driven program and policy solutions to disrupt cycles of socioeconomic exclusion and poor health.

Learn more about MAP’s work at maphealth.ca.