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Help COVID-Isolated Seniors in Alberta Connect with Loved Ones this Holiday Season: Donate Gently-Used Smartphones or Tablets at London Drugs

December 14, 2020 – A device drive is now underway at London Drugs to get gently-used smartphones and tablets into the hands of long-term care facilities so that isolated seniors can connect virtually with loved-ones over the holidays.

Project Joy, an organization founded at the onset of the pandemic to provide connected devices to senior facilities, is asking Albertans to drop off old tablets and smartphones at any London Drugs location in Alberta. The devices will be sanitized, cleared of all personal data, refurbish, and then provide care homes with step-by-step guides for staff to help residents connect with family via Zoom, Facebook Messenger, Google Duo or even to receive photos through email.

“That old smartphone sitting in your drawer at home or that previous generation tablet you kept when you upgraded, could be put to critical use, offering virtual visits from family to seniors in our province after months of isolation and loneliness,” says Emily Jenks, Founder of Project Joy.

Devices can be dropped off at any London Drugs location in Alberta at the TECH Department. Android smartphones or tablets less than four years old, Apple iPad Gen 3 or newer and iPhone 5 or newer are accepted. The devices must be reset to factory settings and unlinked from Apple ID, iCloud and any management accounts with the protective cases removed. London Drugs Service Technicians will conduct a complete data wipe prior to it being restored and made ready for use by a care facility.

Since quarantine measures first came into effect at care facilities throughout the province, Project Joy received requests from all over Alberta with many care providers now on the waiting list to receive devices for their residents. With the help of care facility workers, each donated device can be used by up to five seniors to send and receive video calls, photos, and video messages.

“We’ve had families able to watch their loved ones open gifts. These are precious moments that they otherwise would not be able to safely participate in this year. Seeing that familiar face of a loved one and being able to reminisce with family members reminds them that they are not forgotten, people care about them and that we can all get through this difficult time together – even if we can’t be together in person,” says Joannie Robertson, Recreation Therapist at Copper Sky Seniors Lodge, a seniors facility that received tablets from Project Joy.

All 22 London Drugs locations in Alberta are now accepting smartphone and tablet donations. Laptops, since they are more difficult to sanitize, are not being accepted as part of the device drive for Project Joy.

“As we try to balance the need to protect the most vulnerable, with the need to support their sense of connection, virtual gatherings and video chats may be the greatest gift for older family members over the holidays,” says Ben Pullein, Store Manager at London Drugs.

He says that with limits on in-person gatherings and social distancing guidelines, many customers are desperately trying to set up senior family members with tech before the holidays. Demand for London Drugs’ remote tech support, which can assist with software installation, troubleshooting, device setup and installation remotely from a safe distance has gone up substantially.

“It can be very frustrating to guide someone – especially an elderly person who is inexperienced – through the process of downloading new apps or updating programs. But once the technology is set up, it can really be a lifeline for them.”

DEVICES BEING ACCEPTED FOR DONATION

Apple iPad / iPhone
- iPhone 5 or newer
- iPad Gen 3 or newer
- Must be unlinked from Apple ID and iCloud Account and reset to factory settings
- Remove protective case
- Charger included if possible

Android Phone / Tablet
- Age: 4 years or newer
- Must be unlinked from any management account and reset to factory settings
- Remove protective case
- Charger included if possible

FAQ

Q: I have a family member in a senior care facility in Alberta. Can they apply to receive a device through Project Joy?

A: Care facilities looking for devices can fill out the device request form at: https://www.projectjoy.ca/what-we-do

Upon receiving requests, Project Joy will evaluate if the center is able to adequately access Wi-Fi and have staff teach residents or be available to help.

Q: How are seniors homes selected to receive donations from Project Joy?

A: Project Joy’s prime objective has been to help isolated seniors in need in care homes. Typically, a representative from a seniors facility contacts Project Joy, requesting devices for their residents. Upon receiving requests, Project Joy will evaluate if the center is able to adequately access Wi-Fi and have staffing resources to assist residents.

Q: How will the seniors know how to use the donated devices?

A: Project Joy offers participating care homes step-by-step guides for staff to help residents connect with common video chat platforms including: Zoom, Facebook Messenger, Google Duo or even to receive photos through email.

Project Joy routinely check-ins with care homes after the devices are donated to ensure they are being used optimally.

Q: How many seniors does one device help?

A: With the help of care facility workers, each donated device can be used by 5 to 10 seniors.

Q: Can Project Joy help an isolated senior not in a care home?

A: The focus of the donation drive right now it to assist seniors in need who reside in care facilities. Each device can assist more than one senior and appropriate care is available to help them use the technology optimally.

Q: Will the care homes be receiving support along with the donation of devices?

A: Participating care homes will receive step-by-step guides for staff to help residents connect with family via Zoom, Facebook Messenger, Google Duo or even to receive photos through email.

Project Joy routinely checks in with care homes after the devices are delivered to ensure they are being used optimally.

Q: What devices are being accepted for donation? Why can’t I donate other devices?

A: Android smartphones or tablets less than four years old, Apple iPad Gen 3 or newer and iPhone 5 or newer are accepted. The devices must be reset to factory settings and unlinked from Apple ID, iCloud, and any management accounts with the protective cases removed.

Older devices are not accepted as they cannot reliably manage the video chat functions to make these connections possible.

Laptops, since they are more difficult to sanitize, are not being accepted as part of the device drive.

Q: What happens to the personal data that is on my device?

A: Before donating, the devices must be reset to factory settings and unlinked from Apple ID, iCloud, and any management accounts.

London Drugs Service Technicians will then conduct a complete data wipe prior to it being restored and made ready for use by a care facility.

Q: Are all London Drugs locations accepting device donations?

A: All 22 London Drugs locations in Alberta are accepting device donations for Project Joy. Devices can be dropped off at any London Drugs location in Alberta at the TECH Department.

Q: When do I need to donate my device to the store by?

A: Devices donated before December 23^rd have the most chance of being useful to connect residents with family over the holidays.

Q: Can I make a cash donation instead?

A: Yes, monetary donations can be made at https://www.projectjoy.ca/donate-funds.

Project Joy is a registered non-profit with an amazing group of talented and experienced volunteers. At this time, no money goes towards paying staff. Over 90% of money raised goes directly to purchasing devices for those in need. Approximately 10% or less goes to administrative costs such as insurance and credit card processing.

Q: How are COVID-19 safety measures being maintained during this campaign?

A: Project Joy works directly with care homes to ensure safe delivery of the devices, employing a 3 point sanitation procedure – devices are sanitized when received upon donation, again when leaving the technical screening site, and a third time by care facilities upon receiving the devices.

Since laptops are more difficult to sanitize, they are not being accepted as part of the device drive.

London Drugs offering contactless toy collection at six Vancouver London Drugs stores December 8 or drop toys at any London Drugs location

Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau down 75% in toy donations

EXTENDED: We are excited to extend our Toy Drive in support of the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau until end of day Thursday Dec. 10th. Toys can be dropped off in store at 7 London Drugs locations.

In a year when so many holiday events have been cancelled, London Drugs together with the Vancouver Fire Fighters Charity have found a safe and simple way to collect toys and gifts desperately needed for thousands of families who depend on the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, which is experiencing 75% less donations than in 2019.

On December 8 from 8 am to 3 pm, Vancouver Fire Fighters will be stationed outside seven Vancouver London Drugs locations with Christmas toy collection bins. Masked up individuals can simply drop off toys and gifts to the outdoor toy bins while maintaining physical distance from the fire fighters and others.

“In a year like no other, it is more important than ever we do everything we possibly can to make this Christmas a happy one for families who are struggling,” said Clint Mahlman, President and Chief Operating Officer, London Drugs. “The Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau supports the operations of local Christmas Bureaus and other agencies throughout the Lower Mainland offering assistance to thousands of families in need. We are hoping the public will see this as a safe and simple way to drop off a toy that will go directly to children and teens to open on Christmas morning.”

The Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau is seeing an increase in families accessing the services of the Christmas Bureau because of COVID-19. With the challenges presented by COVID protocols around accepting, sorting and distribution of items, 2020 has been challenging to gather the amount of both toys/gifts and monetary support that is so desperately needed.

“Having been forced to cancel our large toy drive events because of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as anticipating more families accessing the services of the Christmas Bureau this year also as a result of COVID-19, we are hoping our community can help us at this difficult time by donating a toy, or even making a monetary donation at lmcb.ca,” said Chris Bayliss, Executive Director, Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau. “We do this one toy, one child, one family at a time. No matter the situation, a child is a child at Christmas time, and during the holidays all they want is that toy to unwrap just like all of their friends.”

The public is welcome to drop off new unwrapped toys and gifts for children, tweens and teens at the following locations from 8 am to 3 pm on Tuesday December 8:

London Drugs – 710 Granville St.
London Drugs – 2230 West Broadway
London Drugs – 525 West Broadway
London Drugs – 3328 Kingsway (drive-through option)
London Drugs – 1622 Salt St. (Olympic Village)
London Drugs – 4588 Dunbar St.
London Drugs – 2091 West 42nd Ave

If individuals are unable to drop off a toy at those locations, all Lower Mainland London Drugs locations will happily accept donations at all customer service desks which will be forwarded to a central location for distribution to the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau. According to the Bureau, items for newborns, tweens and teens are always in need. Ideas for teens include cosmetics, jewelry, electronic and gaming items and gift cards.

“Vancouver Firefighter Charities and London Drugs share many common values,” James Docherty, Executive Director, Vancouver Firefighter Charities. “We believe that everyone in our community deserves something special for the holiday season and that this year, more families are struggling in the wake of world events. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, together, we can make this holiday season better for those in-need as a community.”

Proudly Canadian Christmas Gift Guide

Looking for gifts with a Canadian flavor this Christmas? Whether Canadian Designed, Canadian Owned or Canadian Proud, these brands and products let you shop with a genuine Canuck connection. So tighten your toque, grab some loonies and check them out. And remember, London Drugs is 100% Canadian Owned since 1945, with our head office right here in Richmond, BC.

Annabelle Cosmetics

Created in 1967 in Montreal, Annabelle Cosmetics develops colourful and cosmopolitan beauty essentials that support a kaleidoscope of cultural diversity, and a vibrant, visionary celebration of humanity.

Pictured: Annabelle Christmas Bag Makeup Gift Set – 5 piece- $19.99

Province Apothecary

Province Apothecary is blending the wilds of Canada into nourishing and balancing skincare. All products are made with the highest quality certified organic ingredients and local ingredients that have been sourced from each Canadian Province.

Pictured: Province Apothecary Balm Trio – $45

Kerr’s Candies

Founded in 1895 in St. Thomas, Ontario by brothers Edward and Albert Kerr after emigrating from Scotland. Today, Kerr’s products are still manufactured at their head office in Toronto in a factory that’s peanut free, tree-nut free and gluten free. Sweet.

Zazubean Chocolate

Started on a pedal-powered excursion by a group of women to an island off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. These fairly traded, organic chocolate bars are good for the planet, good for the growers and tasty for you!

Delecto Chocolates

Made in Canada by Ganong, Canada’s oldest chocolate and candy company, established in 1873, in St. Stephen New Brunswick.

London Naturals Maple Syrup

This 100% Canadian organic maple syrup is made in Canada and brought to you by a 100% Canadian company – London Drugs. Choose from Canada Grade A Amber or Dark.

Sparkmouth Beverages

Non-GMO sparkling beverages flavoured with natural fruit extracts, from a Vancouver, BC Company.

Ethical Bean Coffee & Salt Spring Coffee

Two great organic companies, roasting coffee locally and buying it right globally. Ethical Bean practices promote ecological balance, biodiversity, and community support. Salt Spring Coffee is still owned and operated by the same Canadian husband and wife team.

Lise Watier Cosmetics

Founded in Quebec in 1972. Lise Watier was one of the first women to establish herself in the Canadian cosmetics industry and built a major brand. Lise Watier is now part of the Canadian owned Groupe Marcelle.

Pictured: Lise Watier Must-haves Set – 5 Piece – $44

Roots

Choose from camera bags, cases and carry-alls designed by an iconic Canadian company with its early beginnings in a small cabin in Canada’s Algonquin Park.

Pictured: Roots 73 Classic Messenger Bag – $139.99

Zoe Pet Food

Don’t forget our four footed Canadian friends at Christmas time. This 100% Canadian owned company makes 100% of their dry pet food in Canada with an average of 80% Canadian sourced ingredients.

Starfrit

A wide range of quality Canadian designed kitchenware, brought to you by Atlantic Promotions, a Quebec owned and operated company for over 50 years.

Pictured: Starfrit Maple Cutting Board – $19.99, Starfrit

Mightigrip Jar Opener – $19.99

Trudeau Corp

A Canadian company offering kitchen utensils and accessories to Canada and the world, based in Boucherville, Quebec.

Pictured: Trudeau Pepper Mill – Natural Wood – $19.99

Trudeau Filter Press Coffeemaker – $25.99

Charisma Sterling Silver Jewelry

Made by a Canadian company, designed in Montreal.

Pictured: Charisma Sterling Silver Tree Life Earrings – $25

Salt Spring Island Candles

Salt Spring Island Candle Co. was born from a desire to make clean burning plant based candles while utilizing the best aromatherapy oils to create truly unique scents inspired from Canada’s West Coast.

C&C Candle Company

Hand-poured, 100% soy candles made in

Calgary.

Safari Action Camera

Innovative cameras designed, marketed and sold exclusively in Canada. Part of Gentec, a trusted Canadian company for over 30 years.

Pictured: Safari 5D Action Camera Kit –$99.99

Logiix Accessories

Canadian designed tech products designed in

Vancouver.

Pictured: Logiix Essentials Play Notebook Sleeve – 13 Inch – Sloth – $34.99

Visit Local Central

The Local Central section in select stores continues to offer a fresh selection of hyper-local products, such as Kip’s Kettle Corn, Bear Bait Honey, Harry Beard Oil, True Heroes Coffee and more. Check our Local Central listings to see what’s available in your area!

Canadian Content

Browse our CDs, DVDs and Vinyl Records for Canadian Classics like The Tragically Hip. Neil Young, Rush, Diana Krall and of course, CBC’s The Vinyl Cafe.

London Drugs’ second call out to small business owners in Manitoba impacted by second wave of COVID-19

Winnipeg, Manitoba, November 26, 2020 – London Drugs is once again offering up shelf space in its St. Vital store to local small businesses who have been impacted due to the second wave of COVID-19. Beginning today, small businesses with essential goods that meet the definition under Manitoba’s Provincial health order, are welcome to submit their products for consideration. With London Drugs also only able to offer essential items at this time, the retailer is clearing its centre promotional aisle to make way for customers to easily find and support fellow Manitobans. 100 per cent of sales will go directly to the small businesses.

Small businesses with essential goods that meet the definition under Manitoba’s Provincial health order can apply for London Drugs’ Local Central, here: https://www.londondrugs.com/local-central-application-manitoba.html

Clint Mahlman, President and COO of London Drugs stated “If you have a retail location like a store or restaurant and your business has been impacted by COVID restrictions, we want to help. Restaurants may be open for takeout but significantly reduced volume in most restaurants makes every bit help.”

Local Winnipeg business Fat Iguana Chefs Kitchen has been selling its soup starter, sauces and salsa at London Drugs for the past six months. It applied to London Drugs in April at the peak of the pandemic when the retailer put out its first call offering to help local businesses.

“We’ve been involved with the London Drugs Local Central program since it was launched in early summer,” said Steve Hunt-Lesage, Fat Iguana Chefs Kitchen. “The exposure and accompanying sales that come with such a large retailer have had a huge impact on our ability to move forward with confidence in trying times. We appreciate the opportunities they’ve generously made available!”

Small businesses with essential goods in Winnipeg are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to try and get into London Drugs St. Vital in time for the holidays. A list of local businesses with their products currently in London Drugs stores across Western Canada can be found here: https://www.londondrugs.com/local-central.html

Sweet ending for the annual Girl Guide cookie campaign after physical distancing measures cancelled door-to-door sales

Over $900,000 raised for Girl Guides of Canada through retail cookie sales at London Drugs

Diamond Isinger, Girl Guides Canada (LEFT) and Clint Mahlman, London Drugs President and Chief Operating Officer (RIGHT). London Drugs presents cheque to Girl Guides Canada for cookies sold during the pandemic. Girl Guides Canada gave a cookie tin as thanks to London Drugs. The cookies are now sold out at most London Drugs stores.

RICHMOND, B.C.- September 9, 2020 – Girl Guide cookie sales at Western Canadian retailer London Drugs have raised over $900,000 for the Girl Guides of Canada since March. After COVID-19 halted the Girl Guides’ largest fundraising campaign of the year, London Drugs opened up shelf space to safely distribute the cookies through all of its 82 stores across Western Canada and online at LondonDrugs.com. Over 180,000 boxes of cookies were sold, with 100 per cent of the funds raised from the sale of the cookies going back to the organization.

The annual cookie sales campaign is the largest source of income for Girl Guides Canada, who rely on the funds to sustain their ongoing programs. Thanks to the generosity of London Drugs customers, proceeds from the sale of Girl Guide cookies will help provide diverse and exciting programs and activities for girls; and give them the chance to discover new interests, learn valuable leadership skills and make lasting friendships.

“We are grateful to London Drugs for providing us with a safe distribution network to sell our cookies, which has helped raise critical funds to support Guiding activities locally and across the country,” said Diamond Isinger, provincial commissioner for BC, Girl Guides of Canada. “It’s a sweet ending to what had to be a non-traditional cookie sales campaign this year”.

Traditionally, Girl Guides sell their cookies door-to-door, providing the opportunity to get out into their community and develop valuable skills, from teamwork and problem solving to responsibility. With physical distancing measures preventing door-to-door sales, this year was the first time Girl Guide cookies have been sold almost exclusively through retailers – a strategy that helped them sell 800,000 boxes of cookies that otherwise would have been difficult to distribute during the pandemic.

“It is a special honour to have been a part of this year’s unique version of the annual Girl Guide cookie fundraising campaign, as many families across Canada, including my own, have had a connection to the Girl Guides at some point in our lives,” said Clint Mahlman, London Drugs President and Chief Operating Officer.

The first shipment received by London Drugs was for 1000 cases containing 12,000 boxes of cookies in the Vancouver area. From there, London Drugs quickly expanded availability across Western Canada to all locations and made cookies available online, selling 180,000 boxes, totaling $905,540 raised for the Girl Guides of Canada.

“At London Drugs, we take pride in being nimble adapting to change and providing support based on what is happening in the communities we serve,” adds Mahlman. “Being able to quickly offer assistance with the sale of Girl Guide cookies during the COVID-19 pandemic was the right thing to do. And because our customers enthusiastically supported the cause by purchasing boxes of cookies at London Drugs, Girl Guides of Canada now have financial support to help fund their programs for girls and young women in communities across Canada.”

ABOUT GIRL GUIDES OF CANADA

Girl Guides of Canada–Guides du Canada (GGC) empowers every girl in Guiding to discover herself and be everything she wants to be. In Guiding, girls from 5-17 meet with girls their own age in a safe, inclusive space to explore what matters to them. With programming options ranging from innovative STEM activities to outdoor adventures and discussions on mental health and healthy relationships, girls in Guiding can customize their experience to dive into the topics relevant to them – all with the support of engaged Guiders who are committed to positively impacting their lives. Guiding is all about supporting girls as they take on challenges and grab hold of every opportunity that comes their way. Girl Guide cookies is the official fundraiser for Girl Guides across Canada. The money raised through cookie sales funds innovative and dynamic programs for girls. Over 6 million boxes of cookies are sold each year and Girl Guides have been selling cookies since 1927. For more information visit GirlGuides.ca and follow @girlguidesofcanada on Instagram or @girlguidesofcan on Twitter.

Proudly Canadian Brand Stories – Bremner’s – Pure Juice That’s Good For a Whole Country

Terry Bremner, Founder of Bremner Foods, describes their company in typically understated Canadian style. “We’re just a company on the farm, trying to make the best product in the world,” he says. From their roots in the rich soils of Delta, BC, Bremner Foods is literally growing Canadian success from the ground up.

It all started with local land, and local berries.

Bremner’s is family owned, by 3rd generation blueberry and cranberry farmers. “My parents came to Delta in the 1950’s, and we’ve been doing various farming in the Delta area since then,” Bremner says. Two mainstays of their line are pure blueberry and cranberry juice. Both of these berries are native to North America and grow particularly well in BC. “On two sides of our property is Burns Bog,” Bremner continues, “It gives the berries a more intense flavour, being close to their native soil.”

Better juice for healthier Canadians

“Our goal is to make premium products that are healthy and nutritious,” says Bremner, “All the hard work and dedication is worth it when customers tell us that our juice is the best, or how our juice is helping with medical issues.” Berries are well known for their antioxidant content, especially blueberries. One jar of Bremner’s contains the pure juice of two-and-a-half pounds of blueberries, providing a natural Canadian health boost. Bremner puts it simply: “Your fuel that goes in you is your energy that comes out.” The Bremner team proves the point, participating in 50-kilometer races and other events, fueled by Bremner’s Juices.

Premium, clean, quality and workmanship – Canadian values straight from the farm.

“Canada is known for the best country, clean air and water, and quality products.” Bremner says. And these values are shared with their London Drugs partnership. “We have been in London Drugs for over 10 years. We really appreciate London Drugs being a Canadian company, and the Louie family’s long Canadian history.”
We’ll toast to that – with a tall cool glass of Bremner’s juice.

Shop for Bremner’s juice online at LondonDrugs.com.

Proudly Canadian Brand Stories – Hardbite Chips – Real Canadian People, Places and Flavour

“Honestly, our packaging is one of our most Canadian statements,” says Hardbite Marketing Manager Darlene McIntosh, “ It is with Canadian-made pride that we designed our packaging to profile Canadian destinations with nature-loving lifestyle imagery. On every bag we feature the Canadian flag, and a real place with real people.”

But what you see on the shelf is just the beginning. Hardbite Chips have Canadian qualities right to the bottom of the bag.

Independently owned, and proudly made right here in BC.

Hardbite Chips are made in Surrey, in British Columbia’s only potato chip manufacturing facility. There, chips are cooked in small batches, for the ultimate in crunch and taste. Company ownership is local, too. The people that run the company work in the same building as the people who run the spicing drums.

“Made in Canada is a badge of honour,” says McIntosh, “And as an independently owned Canadian company, we will continue to wave that flag proudly.”

Fun Chips, with Serious Canadian Values

Like the potatoes they use, the Hardbite philosophy is solidly rooted.

“When people choose to buy Canadian, that means they are choosing to support their community, grow the economy, and sustain a strong and fairly treated workforce,” says McIntosh, “Beyond that, buying Canadian also means peace of mind, as manufacturing is highly regulated, consumers can be assured products are safe.”

But the Hardbite team never likes to be too heavy. “We communicate with each other, we say what we mean and we don’t hold back,” says McIntosh, “Because snacking should be fun, people!”

Keep on Exploring, Keep on Snacking!

The Hardbite philosophy is inspired by Canada’s wide open spaces. It’s a sense of adventure that has led to the development of an amazing array of flavours, including such ‘out there’ varieties as Spicy Dill, Chipotle Raspberry Parsnip and a whole line cooked in avocado oil.

“We love exploring,” McIntosh continues, “Whether it’s going for a long walk in the woods or blasting down a muddy mountain trail on a bike, it’s all about celebrating nature. And what better way to celebrate an adventure than to scarf down a bag of all-natural chips that taste awesome.”

Bring it on!

Shop Hardbite products online here.