2024 ESG Report
Shoppers Drug Mart beauty team uplifts young moms
June 24, 2025
For the fourth year in a row, Shivali Sharma, Associate-Owner of three Shoppers Drug Mart® stores in Edmonton, Alberta, gathered her team of Beauty Managers and Beauty Specialists to give back to their community in a truly special way. At the end of May they volunteered their time and skills to help young mothers at Braemar School get ready for their graduation.
“Braemar School offers a specialized curriculum tailored to the unique needs of pregnant and parenting teens ranging from 13 to 20 years of age,” explains Shivali.
“The school provides resources, classrooms, dedicated childcare, and financial support to help these young women succeed. Recognizing the low success and high dropout rates among young parents at traditional schools, Braemar creates a family community, where new and expecting teen mothers feel supported,” Shivali adds.
Shivali's involvement with the school began with donations of makeup and other items. "I was looking for a way to support our local community and when I learned that the graduating class at Braemar had limited resources, I knew my teams could help," she explains. "I wanted to do something really special for the girls."
She rallied her beauty teams to provide makeovers to the graduating class, giving them an opportunity to feel cared for and special on their graduation day.
On graduation day, the Shoppers Drug Mart teams arrived with goodie bags and set-up shop at the school. Each graduate received personalized attention, with the team spending 30-45 minutes per graduate, creating the perfect look. "Our hearts are always full on this special day, helping the young ladies look and feel their best for graduation," Shivali says. "It’s an emotional and rewarding experience, and we are so appreciative to have the opportunity to give back to this school community."
"Being part of the Braemar School graduation is truly one of the most meaningful experiences of the year,” shares Beauty Manager Saja Hameed. “Preparing for this event, knowing we’re helping young moms feel seen, celebrated, and beautiful on such a major milestone - fills my heart with pride. These young women have overcome so much and worked incredibly hard to get to this day. It’s an honour to play even a small part in making them feel confident as they embark on the next chapter of their lives "
