RICHMOND, BC, August 6, 2009 – London Drugs and Planned Lifetime Advocacy Networks (PLAN) are pleased to announce Tisharra Diamond of Port Coquitlam as the winner of the June 15th Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) contest. Tisharra will receive a $1,500 contribution towards her son’s RDSP. Launched December 2008 as the first of its kind in the world, this tax-deferred savings vehicle will assist families in planning for the long-term financial security of their relatives with disabilities. It is a savings plan similar to a Registered Educational Savings Plan, however designed specifically for people with disabilities in Canada.

“London Drugs is very proud to partner with PLAN on this first-of-its-kind initiative for families with disabilities,” said John Tse, vice president Pharmacy. “At London Drugs we recognize the importance and value of this savings plan and are pleased to be offering two more contest dates that will give families the opportunities to also win a $1,500 RDSP contribution."

London Drugs Assistant Store Manager Chris Knowles presents Tisharra, Connor, and Kirstin Diamond with a $1500 contribution to a RDSP with Chair of PLAN's Board of Directors Susan Whittaker and PLAN's Executive Director Jack Styan

A RDSP allows anyone already eligible for a disability tax credit to invest savings tax-free until withdrawal, up to a lifetime limit of $200,000, and friends and family members can also contribute to a loved one’s RDSP. The federal government has also created the Canada Disability Savings Grant and the Canada Disability Savings Bond as an incentive to set up and contribute to a RDSP.“We are excited to be partnering with London Drugs on this RDSP contest and distribution of our Safe and Secure: RDSP Edition books,” said PLAN Executive Director Jack Styan. “The contest amount of $1,500 could translate into a deposit of $4,500 to a family member’s RDSP depending on the income level of the family as outlined by the government matching program. We want to encourage everyone with a family member who has a disability to enter the remaining two contests and to begin donating to a family member’s RDSP.”

British Columbians with a disabled family member can visit any London Drugs Pharmacy to obtain the new, B.C.-specific Safe and Secure: RDSP Edition book. The book offers helpful information related to disability benefits, taxation, trusts, Representation Agreements, wills, estate planning and the new Registered Educational Savings Plan. The PLAN RDSP contest sponsored by London Drugs is open to all residents of British Columbia who are eligible to set up a RDSP (for eligibility requirements see www.rdsp.com/how.html). The final two contest draws occur August 15, 2009 and October 15, 2009. Prizes must be accepted as awarded and are non-transferable with no substitutions permitted.

ABOUT LONDON DRUGS
Founded in 1945, B.C.-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 PLAN

PLAN was founded in 1989 to assist families to plan for the future of their disabled relative. A family-directed organization that focuses on the social and financial well-being of people with disabilities, PLAN's services include will & estate planning, home options, advocacy, policy reform and building personal networks of support and friendship. PLAN developed the RDSP model and was the primary advocate for its successful adoption by the Federal Government.