Margarita Vailas, Chair of the IATSE 856 Women’s Committee and Makeup Department member, usually prepares for bodybuilding competitions with intense weightlifting sessions, strategic meal prepping, and hours spent perfecting her muscle poses. But this time, she’s training for something entirely different: the Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women.
A seasoned bodybuilder with years of experience, Vailas first heard about the event through a friend. She signed up — and now, she’s returning for her third consecutive year.
“I’m an aggressive women’s rights activist,” said Vailas.
The Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women is Canada’s largest community 5km and 10km run/walk series, dedicated to supporting women’s mental health.
Women experience depression twice as often as men and are three times more likely to face barriers to service (Women’s Increased Risk of Depression, 2019).
“Mental health is huge. But we’re also in an industry that takes a toll on you,” said Vailas, reflecting on the emotional strain within the film industry.
This year, she’s going all in. Margarita is running all 18 races across Canada — virtually — to raise awareness and increase donations. She’ll be tracking each 5km run with a sign, logging her progress city by city. Ironically, the total distance she’ll cover — 90 kilometres — matches the length of Winnipeg’s perimeter highway.Want to get involved? Join the IATSE Women in Film team! Whether you’re a runner or a walker, come out for a good cause and a great time.
Prefer to support from the sidelines? You can donate to Women in Film here!
