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By Eli J. Ridder

IN THE COMMUNITY

London Drugs’ senior loneliness program back for ninth year

Nov 13, 2024 | 4:36 PM

An annual initiative by London Drugs to address senior loneliness across western Canada is back for a ninth year.

London Drugs launched the community-focused Stocking Stuffers for Seniors initiative in 2015, with stores featuring holiday trees where customers could pick a gift tag and purchase an item from a local senior’s wish list, returning it to the store for delivery.

Nearly a decade later, the initiative has grown chain-wide at London Drugs stores and continues to engage customers in supporting seniors during the holiday season — including in Medicine Hat.

This year, London Drugs is partnering with more than 200 care homes across western Canada.

Seniors will receive the gifts purchased for them by customers via the care home or charity partner associated with their local London Drugs store.

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Clint Mahlman, London Drugs president, said in a statement that the initiative allows the chain to bring joy to many seniors who find themselves alone during the holidays.

“The Stocking Stuffers for Seniors program allows us to collectively make a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most, especially during what can be a challenging time of year,” Malman said.

“We encourage customers to join us in rekindling the spirit of giving and ensuring no senior is forgotten this year.”

Social isolation and loneliness have become a growing public health crisis, according to the World Health Organization, with one in four older adults affected worldwide.

In Canada, nearly 30 per cent of seniors are at risk of becoming socially isolated. During the second quarter of 2024, 10.4 per cent of people aged 65 or older in Canada reported always or often feeling lonely, according to Statistics Canada.

Loneliness and social isolation can pose serious impacts for physical and mental health, as well as the well-being of society and communities, as reported by the WHO.

Medicine Hat’s only London Drugs location is in the south end on 13th Avenue Southeast. More information on the program is available on LondonDrugs.com.