BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and London Drugs Team up for BC’s Kids
VANCOUVER, BC, NOVEMBER 18, 2008 – BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and London Drugs are working together to give British Columbians an opportunity to be superheroes and help BC’s kids. The Hope Tote is the latest merchandise initiative launched by BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and features writable fabric, allowing you to personalize your Hope Tote with thoughts, dreams and hopes for children. This reusable bag will be available at London Drugs locations across BC for $3.00 from November 18 to December 2. One hundred per cent of the proceeds benefit BC Children’s Hospital.
“We are excited to launch the Hope Tote with BC Children’s Hospital Foundation,” said Wynne Powell, president of London Drugs. “At London Drugs we are committed to supporting charities within the community we serve and BC Children’s Hospital serves all children across British Columbia. We encourage our customers to join us in supporting Children’s Hospital.”
“It's amazing just how many people in BC know of someone who has been cared for by BC Children’s Hospital,” says Kimberley Fenlon, vice president of philanthropy at BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Whether you have children, or grandchildren, nieces or nephews, we encourage all British Columbians to honour the children in their lives by picking up a Hope Tote and helping BC's kids live long, happy and healthy lives.”
In addition to the Hope Tote, London Drugs is fundraising for the Hospital through BC150 Commemorative Calendar. This 2009 calendar commemorates the winners of the BC 150 Photo Contest. The contest was launched during the summer of 2008 in partnership with the BC150 celebrations. More than 5,000 photographs were entered into the public voting contest to celebrate the 150 years of history since the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia.
"The commemorative calendar project not only celebrates British Columbia's past, it also invests in its future, by supporting the B.C. Children's Hospital," said Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Bill Bennett. "I'd like to congratulate London Drugs for celebrating our province's history, diversity and community strength in such a meaningful way."
The BC150 Commemorative Calendar is available for $29.99 in the One Hour Photo department of every BC London Drugs with $5 from each calendar going to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
London Drugs celebrated the launch of these initiatives on Tuesday, November 18, at the grand opening of their flagship location at 525 West Broadway, Vancouver, with a special performance by the Vancouver Peace Choir from Simon Fraser Elementary School.
About London Drugs
Founded in 1945, BC-based London Drugs currently has 69 stores in more than 35 major markets throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Renowned for its creative approach to retailing, the company employs more than 7,500 people and carries a diverse range of health and consumer electronic products. With its strong commitment to innovation and customer appreciation, London Drugs has established itself as a reputable and caring company and continues to position itself for future growth and development.
About BC Children’s Hospital
Last year, more than 72,000 children were treated at Children’s Hospital; over 900 of these came from the Okanagan Valley. BC Children’s Hospital Foundation received donations from more than 103,000 people last year and had revenues of over $60.7 million. Funds raised by the Foundation are used to support BC Children’s Hospital, Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children and the Child & Family Research Institute. For more information, visit www.bcchf.ca.
About BC150
BC150 is a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia in 1858. Every community in B.C. is invited to participate in this year-long celebration of the province’s cultural diversity, community strength and widespread achievement. For more information on BC150 programs and events, visit www.BC150.ca.
For more information on London Drugs, please contact:
Wendy Hartley
604-817-2758, wendyhartley@telus.net
Cynnamon Schreinert
604-802-2733, cynnamon@shaw.ca