The Thompson Shoppers Drug Mart donated $4,000 Dec. 13 to the YWCA as part of the chain’s Love You Campaign to put women’s health first.
Store manager Jason Haywood and cosmetics manager Rhonda Neilson presented a cheque on behalf of store owner Sonal Purhoit to YWCA women’s programs co-ordinator nina Cordell, who said the money could be used for anything from tampons to shampoo to diapers to formula, depending upon what users of the YWCA’s services require.
“We’re very responsive to our clients,” said Cordell, noting that many of the women who stay at the YWCA are brought to Thompson on medevac flights without even their toothbrushes or deodorant, or are on confinement while waiting to give birth.
“We’ve really depended a lot on donations of products,” says YWCA executive director Kim Hickes, noting that changing about 18 months ago from a program-based operation to one that responds to clients’ needs means it’s not always easy for the organization to access government funding.
Shoppers is also hoping to donate some free activities for women at the YWCA, such as makeovers.
“It’s also coming with the opportunity to provide women with some awesome activities to help their self-esteem,” Hickes said.
