London Drugs is once again rallying communities across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba with its annual Stocking Stuffers for Seniors program, set to run from November 12 to December 8. Now in its ninth year, this holiday initiative brings together customers and staff to provide gifts to seniors facing isolation during the holiday season, the company said in a news release.
Originally launched in 2015, Stocking Stuffers for Seniors began as a simple idea: each participating London Drugs store displayed a holiday tree adorned with gift tags listing the wishes of local seniors. Customers could then select a tag, purchase an item, and return it to the store for distribution. The program has since grown chain-wide, partnering with more than 200 care homes and community organizations across Western Canada to ensure that seniors receive thoughtful holiday gifts from their communities.
Clint Mahlman, president and COO of London Drugs, emphasized the importance of this program as a way to combat the rising issue of loneliness among seniors.
“Loneliness affects a significant number of seniors across Canada, and we’re committed to working with our customers to bring joy to those without family or friends this holiday season,” said Mahlman. “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. We encourage customers to join us in rekindling the spirit of giving and ensuring no senior is forgotten this year.”
The World Health Organization has identified social isolation as a growing health crisis, with one in four older adults affected globally. In Canada, Statistics Canada reported that in the second quarter of 2024, more than 10 percent of adults over 65 experienced chronic loneliness. The health impacts of social isolation, from mental health challenges to a decrease in overall well-being, make this issue especially critical.
This year, London Drugs is working with a number of organizations, including Operation Friendship Seniors Society in Edmonton and Secret Santa Service in Calgary, to reach seniors in care homes who might otherwise feel isolated over the holidays. The gifts, delivered by these partners, help brighten the season for seniors across Western Canada, it said.
To encourage participation, London Drugs is also rewarding LDExtras members who donate a gift to the Stocking Stuffers for Seniors program, with 1,000 points available for contributions made before December 1 and 500 points until the program ends on December 8.
“We’re proud to support this initiative year after year,” added Mahlman. “Our customers consistently step up to show how much they care, and we hope this season will be no different.”
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