The Rexall Care Network Supports Caregiver Mental Health

Rexall stores launch caregiver campaign through the Canadian Mental Health Association

MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 1, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, Rexall is announcing a new partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to support caregiver mental health during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"Through the Rexall Care Network, Rexall is proud to support caregivers in over 200 local communities as they provide essential care to loved ones," said Frank Monteleone, President & Chair, Rexall Care Network. "It's our goal to have the funds directly support programs and services towards the well-being of caregiver mental health. Now more than ever, caregivers need us to care for them."

Since the beginning of Mental Health Week on May 4^th, Rexall customers were invited to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar to support local caregivers. From June 1st until June 30th, Rexall customers have the opportunity to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar or purchase a supportive 'bubble' for $2.00.

"Caregivers are unsung heroes in our communities and families," says Margaret Eaton, National CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). "Caring for others can create particular stresses and strains on mental health. We are grateful to Rexall for bringing this to light through their campaign."

Funding for caregiver mental health can go a long way, including training for neighbourhood agencies to support caregivers, resource guides and toolkits on mental health, and broader mental health education and peer support services.

During this campaign, the health and safety of our customers, patients, and employees remain a priority. Rexall continues to follow Public Health guidelines and practices for social distancing and the following changes apply to this campaign:

• Bubbles will remain behind the plexi-glass at registers and pharmacy counters to be handled only by store staff and pharmacists; 
• Rexall employees will write the customer name on the bubbles, to avoid close contact and limit risk;
• There will be no bake sales, raffles, BBQs or other fundraising events ? the only fundraising options include bubble sales and the round-up prompt.

The Rexall Care Network is a proud supporter of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Since 2018, Rexall employees, customers and patients helped support CMHA through in-store mental health fundraisers. The funds raised during Mental Health Week in May 2018 provided mental health and suicide prevention workshops and supported 600 youth athletes in local communities around Ontario.

To further recognize caregivers, Rexall is offering a 20% discount on select in-store items for Canadians fifty-five years and older through Advantage 55+. Caregivers who many need to pick up essential items at Rexall can benefit from a Caregiver Day digital offer, which can be found online at rexall.ca/caregiverdayjune2 and redeemed at all Rexall stores on the first Tuesday of each month until September 7^th, 2020.

About the Rexall Care Network

Since 2002, Rexall has been helping build strong and vibrant communities by supporting numerous charitable organizations. Over the past 17 years, Rexall has contributed over $15 million dollars towards local communities through children's and seniors' programs and services across Canada. In late 2018, Rexall undertook a review of its Care Network commitments with a goal of bringing more focus to our giving platform and maximizing the social impact. Rexall endeavoured to identify the cause that speaks to Rexall as an organization and reflects what is important to employees and customers ? caregiving is this cause. For more information, visit rexall.ca/carenetwork, or follow us on Instagram @RexallCareNetwork.

About Rexall Drugstores

With a heritage dating back over a century, Rexall is a leading drugstore operator with a dynamic history of innovation and growth, dedicated to caring for Canadians' health...one person at a time. Operating over 400 pharmacies across Canada, Rexall's 8,500 employees provide exceptional patient care and customer service. Rexall is part of the Rexall Pharmacy Group Ltd. and a proud member of the global McKesson Corporation family. For more information, visit rexall.ca. Follow us on Twitter: @RexallDrugstore, on Instagram at @RexallDrugstoreOfficial and on Facebook at @RexallDrugstore.

About the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) 

Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. Through a presence in more than 330 communities across every province and one territory, CMHA provides advocacy and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive. Visit us at cmha.ca.

SOURCE Rexall