BC Wildfire Relief Efforts

The wildfires currently burning in BC have caused terrible devastation for families and have created a need for help. We’re so proud of our London Drugs’ staff and customers who have risen to the occasion and have come forward with donations and support for those who have been affected.

Here is a recap of what our staff has been able to do to help so far.

July 8
London Drugs activated collection for Canadian Red Cross BC Fires in all 80 stores and online at londondrugs.com and the community responded immediately with donations. Emergency pharmacy services and complimentary Charging Stations were set up for evacuees in both Kamloops and Prince George evacuation centres. A 53′ trailer full of emergency supplies was sent to Kamloops so Community Emergency Comfort (CEC) kits can be created and distributed. Staff from our Kamloops store brought some of these kits as well as toys and activity kits to the MacArthur Island Evacuation Centre.

July 9
We were able to distribute 330 CEC kits as well as pet food and baby wipes to the MacArthur Island Evacuation Centre in Kamloops. In Prince George our store staff delivered 150 CEC kits, cases of diapers as well as toy and activity kits to the local evacuation centre. The toy and activity kits include colouring books, crayons, stuffies, matchbox cars, magazines, juice boxes, art paper and board games. These kits have been well received as they provide comfort for the children.

July 10
The Ashcroft First Nations Band expressed a need for support as some homes have been lost so our staff got together and assembled 100 CEC kits which they delivered as well as water, diapers, pet food, hygiene items and Kleenex. Later that night another 130 CEC kits were delivered. In Prince George we received a call that reading glasses and towels were needed at the evacuation centre. Huge thanks to staff who wasted no time delivering these items along with another 40 CEC kits.

July 11
The London Drugs Emergency Response trailer arrived in Prince George to deliver much needed supplies so more Community Emergency Comfort kits could be assembled. The Ponderosa Seniors Centre in Kamloops opened their doors to displaced seniors and were in need of supplies so our staff delivered 100 CEC kits.

July 12
Our Prince George staff delivered more CEC kits and sunscreen to the local evacuation centre. The Ponderosa Seniors Centre in Kamloops was in need of some dental supplies for the evacuees so our staff rounded them up and delivered them right away. Some toys and an activity box was delivered to the Evacuation Centre to give some much needed distraction for the children.

July 13
Staff continues to assemble CEC kits and look for ways to help wherever they can. A toy box and 100 CEC kits were delivered to the MacArthur Island Evacuation Centre today. Seeing how much they are appreciated has been a humbling experience for our staff.

July 14
The fires continue to spread and cause more displacement of people from their homes. A truck was sent out to Princeton today full of water, diapers, paper towels, wipes, snacks, pet food, personal hygiene items, toys and activity kits.

July 15
Today our Kamloops staff went down to the Sandman Centre where evacuees were waiting in line. They handed out water, snack bars and fruit leather to them as they waited. Donations were sent to the Salvation Army in Abbotsford where another evacuation centre has been set up. 200 CEC kits were delivered to the Thompson Nicola Regional District. Donations to the Red Cross continue to come in from our customers.

July 16
Another delivery was made today to the Kamloops Evacuation center of water, baby formula, diapers and other hygiene items. 450 CEC kits were delivered to the Kamloops Sandman Center. Toys and an activity box were delivered to Vernon for displaced families.

July 17
In Prince George another 50 CEC kits were delivered as well as cases of towels to the evacuation centre. Another evacuation centre has been set up in Cloverdale so toys and an activity box were delivered for the kids.

July 18
A cheque was delivered to the Canadian Red Cross in the amount of $50,000. A HUGE thank you to our customers for your generous donations toward BC Fire relief. More CEC kits were delivered to the Sandman Centre in Kamloops.

July 19
Staff continues to deliver CEC kits to the various evacuation centres as well as respond to requests for particular needs. The toy and activity boxes have been a big hit with the families so another was delivered to South Okanagan Events Centre and another in Vernon.

July 23
Staff took our event trailer to the McArthur Island Park pancake breakfast and handed out water to the attendees. We were able to help the BC Horse Council with some cell phones during their efforts to evacuate livestock.

July 27
More diapers and supplies were taken to the Kelowna Evacuation Centre

July 31
Our customers continue to amaze us! Another $16,100 has been raised for the Canadian Red Cross. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

Aug 3
The staff at our Kelowna store put together 100 CEC kits and delivered them to the Salvation Army for those in need.