London Drugs stores collecting stocking stuffers for seniors

London Drugs locations across western Canada are collecting stocking stuffers for seniors. (CTV News Edmonton/Evan Klippenstein)

London Drugs stores across western Canada are looking to spread holiday cheer to seniors with its Stocking Stuffers for Seniors program.

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“These gifts are for low income seniors, maybe seniors suffering with mental health issues, addictions and maybe don’t have that family support around the holiday season,” said Jimmy Morrison with Operation Friendship Seniors Society.

Holiday trees are placed in stores where customers can pick a gift tag containing wish list items for a senior in their community. London Drugs then delivers the gifts to care homes.

Unity Square store manager Pamela Wilhelm-Pietersma said the asks are “pretty humble” and include things like slippers, blankets, toiletries, snacks or treats as well as basic needs.

The program started in 2014 in Alberta and then in 2015 in B.C., Saskatchewan and Manitoba and now operates at 80 locations. This year London Drugs is partnering with more than 200 care homes in western Canada. The program has delivered about 97,000 gifts to seniors to date.

Stocking Stuffers for Seniors runs from Nov. 12 to Dec. 8 at all London Drugs locations.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Evan Klippenstein