The London Drugs in Duncan is stepping up to assist four families in the Cowichan Valley who have recently immigrated here, and are looking to its customers to help out as well.
Robin LaFortune, the location’s cosmetics manager, said the initiative is part of the 150th celebration of Canada’s birthday this year, and all the 80 London Drugs stores in Western Canada are participating.
She said the Duncan store has partnered with the Cowichan Intercultural Society who helped provide the names of the families that will be assisted.
While the families will remain anonymous to protect their identities, it’s known that three are from the Middle East and one is from Japan.
LaFortune said each of the families have provided a list of items they require, from household goods to toys, and London Drugs customers are invited to bring them to the store.
“We want to make sure these families are welcomed in Canada by their new neighbours,” she said.
“We’re hoping to present the items to the families by July 1, Canada’s birthday.”
Catalyst again among best corporate citizens
Catalyst Paper, owner of the Crofton pulp mill, has been named for the 11th consecutive year as one of the Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada by Corporate Knights Magazine, which reports on corporate sustainability and transparency.
The Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada are selected on the basis of their performance against 14 key sustainability indicators, including greenhouse gas productivity, percentage of taxes paid, health and safety performance, pension fund, supply chain and clean air productivity.
“We are proud to be acknowledged for the 11th consecutive year as one of Canada’s Best Corporate Citizens,” said Catalyst spokesman Graham Kissack.
“Our leading sustainability performance and transparent disclosure means we provide leading brands with confidence in Catalyst’s growing line of paper and packaging products.”
177 Kenneth Park now open in downtown Duncan
For those who want to live and work green in downtown Duncan, 177 Kenneth Park is now open.
Located at 177 Kenneth St., the newly built four-storey building was constructed by developer/owner Brent Weninger and features geothermal heating, rain water collection for toilet flushing and solar panels for preheating domestic hot water.
The building’s steel frame is anchored to a three-foot-thick concrete slab that’s reinforced by over 100 tons of rebar, making this one of the most seismically sound building in the area.
Weninger said the units in the building are mixed commercial/residential or all commercial.
“Some of the units are still in shell stage so they can be custom designed to meet peoples’ needs,” Weninger said.
“This is the perfect pedestrian pocket where people can easily get around without needing a vehicle.”
For more information, call Weninger at 250-701-5653.