June 3, 2010 (Delta, BC) -- This year an estimated 300, 000 Canadians will be diagnosed with some form of cancer or life threatening illness.  At least 100, 000 are predicted to die from their disease. For these palliative patients care in the final days and months of their life is often provided by a spouse or family member.  This was case for Georgina McLeod, an elementary teacher at Delta’s Cougar Canyon, who lost her husband Bill to ALS.   The final months of her husband’s life were filled with seemingly insurmountable stress and worry as Georgina the primary caregiver and breadwinner feverishly juggled her full time work with the duties of looking after her ailing husband.

Recognizing Georgian’s, struggle the co-workers at Cougar Canyon Elementary rallied around their friend in her time of need.   In a gesture of selfless generosity staff and friends volunteered to make meals for Georgina and her family each week for the final eight months of her husband’s battle.

“Every Tuesday and every Thursday I went to the fridge in our staff room and cried, “ adds Georgina, on the brink of tears. “ And at every staff meeting I would put my hand to thank them for the incredible generosity that got me through what was probably the worst year of my life.”

In recognition of this tremendous act of kindness, Medicine Centre pharmacies has recognized Cougar Canyon Elementary school with a $1,000 donation to the salvation army and another $1,000 to the ALS Society.

According to Deborah Kerr, General Manager of Medicine Centre pharmacies, “this unique program is designed to recognize kindness in the community and promote a pay-it-forward mentality in both personal and professional life ”.

Medicine Centre is a BC based operation of independent pharmacies.  As owners and operators of community oriented pharmacies, the company has been forced to operate in an increasingly competitive landscape.   However their ability to exist and compete among the big box chains is due in part to a simple philosophy – kindness.  The concept of kindness to fellow community members is a guiding principle at Medicine Centres.  Like something out of another era, local pharmacists take the time to understand health and family histories and arrive at the best possible health solution.  This year, Medicine Centre locations have taken their commitment to a new level by recognizing kindness in the workplace with a program called Kindness Really Matters.

To submit your story of kindness in the work place, or for more information on this story visit www.medicinecentres.com or contact:

Katie Reiach
604.614.5283