MK5K 2025: Mary Kay Ash Foundation Unites Canada for Women’s Empowerment & Cancer Support
Now in its eighth year, the 2025 MK5K united hundreds of participants from across Canada in a remarkable display of compassion and community spirit, all in support of the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation (MKACF). This year’s event, held both virtually and in person, exemplified the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to two vital causes — helping people with cancer through the Look Good Feel Better program and funding women’s shelters and outreach services for those affected by domestic violence.
The main in-person walk took place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the beautiful Meadowvale Conservation Area in Mississauga, Ontario. There, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants, families, friends, and Walk Champions gathered to walk side by side, raising much-needed funds and awareness. Meanwhile, supporters across the country participated virtually from their own neighborhoods, turning MK5K 2025 into a truly coast-to-coast movement.
“This year’s MK5K embodied our shared values and our deep dedication to making a lasting difference,” said Michelle Haurilak, Chair of the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation Committee and Marketing Director at Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd., Canada. “From the vibrant energy at Meadowvale to the incredible turnout nationwide, it was inspiring to witness how united we are in purpose. The generosity shown this year reinforces how deeply our mission resonates — helping people with cancer regain confidence and providing safety and hope for women escaping domestic violence. I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished together through the Foundation and so grateful to everyone who walked, donated, or cheered us on. Together, we’re changing lives across Canada.”
MK5K 2025 Highlights
The main in-person walk took place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the beautiful Meadowvale Conservation Area in Mississauga, Ontario. There, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants, families, friends, and Walk Champions gathered to walk side by side, raising much-needed funds and awareness. Meanwhile, supporters across the country participated virtually from their own neighborhoods, turning MK5K 2025 into a truly coast-to-coast movement.
“This year’s MK5K embodied our shared values and our deep dedication to making a lasting difference,” said Michelle Haurilak, Chair of the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation Committee and Marketing Director at Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd., Canada. “From the vibrant energy at Meadowvale to the incredible turnout nationwide, it was inspiring to witness how united we are in purpose. The generosity shown this year reinforces how deeply our mission resonates — helping people with cancer regain confidence and providing safety and hope for women escaping domestic violence. I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished together through the Foundation and so grateful to everyone who walked, donated, or cheered us on. Together, we’re changing lives across Canada.”
MK5K 2025 Highlights
- Hundreds of participants joined from coast to coast
- 53 fundraising teams and 248 individual donors
- 3 national sponsors: Staples Print, Formcor, and Corona Jewellery
- Fundraising extended through October 1, 2025, boosting participation and impact
- Total raised: $40,235
“We’re honored to work alongside the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, whose dedication to empowering women perfectly aligns with our mission,” said Susan Larkin of Look Good Feel Better. “Together, we’re helping people with cancer regain control, confidence, and self-esteem during incredibly difficult times. Our partnership allows us to reach more Canadians with the compassion and care they deserve.”
A Strong Partnership: MKACF & Look Good Feel Better
The MKACF proudly partners with Look Good Feel Better (LGFB), a national charity that supports individuals coping with the visible effects of cancer treatment. Through workshops and guidance on skincare, makeup, wigs, and breast care, LGFB helps participants rebuild self-confidence and emotional well-being. The Foundation actively promotes LGFB’s work through fundraising and awareness initiatives, amplifying its impact across the country.
About the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation (MKACF)
The MKACF is dedicated to improving the lives of women in Canada through two main pillars:
A Strong Partnership: MKACF & Look Good Feel Better
The MKACF proudly partners with Look Good Feel Better (LGFB), a national charity that supports individuals coping with the visible effects of cancer treatment. Through workshops and guidance on skincare, makeup, wigs, and breast care, LGFB helps participants rebuild self-confidence and emotional well-being. The Foundation actively promotes LGFB’s work through fundraising and awareness initiatives, amplifying its impact across the country.
About the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation (MKACF)
The MKACF is dedicated to improving the lives of women in Canada through two main pillars:
- Supporting people living with cancer via Look Good Feel Better
- Providing grants to shelters and outreach programs assisting women and children affected by domestic violence
Since its founding, the Foundation has raised over $3.63 million, with 99% of donations going directly to programs that uplift and protect women.
Shelter Grant Program: Empowering Women and Children
Shelter Grant Program: Empowering Women and Children
- In 2025, MKACF will distribute $120,000 in grants to 12 shelters and outreach programs (each receiving $10,000).
- Application window: July 15 – September 30, 2025
- Recipients announced: November 25, 2025 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women)
- Honoring Mary Kay Ash’s legacy, the program provides essential funding for services that offer safety, empowerment, and renewed hope to survivors of domestic violence.
Look Good Feel Better Program Impact
- Over $1.3 million donated by MKACF, benefiting 10,000+ women each year
- 1,300+ trained volunteers, including Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants
- Programs active at 110 hospitals and cancer centers across Canada
- In 2024, over 10,000 Canadians received direct support through 1,500 workshops
- 950 workshops scheduled for 2025
- 97% of participants would recommend the program to others facing cancer
- Workshops offer free two-hour sessions focusing on skincare, makeup, hair alternatives, and breast care guidance
A Heartfelt Thank You
The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of MK5K 2025 — from Independent Beauty Consultants and Walk Champions to donors, volunteers, and sponsors. Your compassion, generosity, and commitment continue to transform lives and bring light and hope to women facing life’s toughest challenges.
Click here to know about the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation.
Companies