Sixth-Annual Charity Drive Provides Gifts and Holiday Cheer for Vulnerable and Isolated Seniors in Communities Across Western Canada
November 8, 2021 (Richmond, BC) – London Drugs is once again channeling the spirit of the holiday season, helping people lift the spirits of seniors in their local communities, by launching its sixth-annual Stocking Stuffers for Seniors campaign at 78 participating stores across Western Canada, starting this Friday.
From Friday, November 12 until Wednesday, December 8, customers can take part in this holiday donation program by taking a gift tag from the in-store Christmas trees, and purchasing the items on the wish list which are for a specific senior in their community. The gifts must then be returned to the same store, and the staff will ensure the gifts are delivered to seniors in time for holiday celebrations. Supporters are also encouraged to include a personalized card to add an extra dose of festive cheer for their recipient.
What has become an annual tradition for London Drugs had humble roots planted in 2015 when a store in British Columbia’s Okanagan region sent out the call for donations, and collected enough gifts to benefit 500 inner-city seniors. In 2016 the initiative was adopted by multiple outlets in different provinces, and in 2017 the Stocking Stuffers for Seniors campaign officially went chain-wide and saw more than 10,000 donated gifts delivered to seniors by London Drugs staff members.
Despite a challenging year due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Stocking Stuffers for Seniors holiday donation drive still saw an uptick in participation, with nearly 10,000 more gifts purchased than 2019, supporting over 29,000 seniors across Western Canada.
Although restrictions are easing, the number of COVID-19 outbreaks in care homes continues to rise across Western Canada, leaving many seniors feeling more isolated than ever. Loneliness amongst the elderly populations has worsened during the pandemic with the COVID-19 preventative measures put in place to contain the viral spread, resulting in isolation.
“We’re immensely proud of how Stocking Stuffers for Seniors has grown to become such an integral part of the communities in which we live and work. It’s truly heartwarming to see so many people and organizations come together year after year and show their support for vulnerable, isolated and low-income seniors,” said London Drugs president and COO Clint Mahlman. “At its core, the campaign is proof positive that a little warmth, kindness and holiday cheer goes a long way for those who need it the most this time of year.”
To support Stocking Stuffers for Seniors, visit the London Drugs location in your neighbourhood and take a tag from the Stocking Stuffers for Seniors Christmas tree, with a senior’s gift wish. You can then purchase the item on the tag, and bring it back to the same location. The gifts are then delivered to seniors ahead of the holidays.
Popular gifts for seniors include:
- Books and magazines
- Blankets and throws
- Slippers or warm socks
- Travel mugs
- Candy or chocolate
For more information, visit londondrugs.com.
About London Drugs
Founded in 1945, B.C.-based London Drugs sells to every province and territory in Canada through its online store www.LondonDrugs.com and has 79 physical stores in more than 35 major markets throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. London Drugs offers consumers a range of products from personal protection equipment for pandemic safety, to digital cameras and cosmetics to computers and televisions. Renowned for its creative approach to retailing, the company employs more than 9000 people with pharmacy and health care services at the heart of its business. Committed to innovation and superior customer service, London Drugs has established itself as a reputable and caring Canadian company that supports Canadian brands and continues to position itself for future growth and development.
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Further information
Louise Stoddart