News

For almost one month now, Uniprix customers throughout Québec have had the chance to make donations to the Red Cross at the check-out counter of Uniprix stores.

Your generosity helped us raise more than $100,000 for the Canadian Red Cross in support of earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

Uniprix stores will be accepting donations for Haiti until February 28, 2010.

Given the current situation in Haiti, all the necessary measures must be implemented to provide assistance. In response to the crisis, Uniprix is working with the Red Cross to do its part. As such, you can now make a donation through Uniprix in one of two ways:

• At any Uniprix-affiliated pharmacy in Québec;
• Online at www.uniprix.com.

All the funds raised (100%) will be donated to the Québec Division of the Canadian Red Cross to provide humanitarian aid to Haiti.

Charles Milliard, a pharmacist and Vice-President of Professional Services, was proud to carry the Olympic Torch over a distance of 500 metres in Ancienne-Lorette on December 3, 2009.

"I was selected as torchbearer after submitting my request like every Canadian could and pledging to do something to make Canada a better country. I am actively involved in Pharmacists Without Borders. As a pharmacist, it's my way of helping make the world a healthier place. The Olympic Torch is such a meaningful symbol and I will remember this day for a long time to come", explained Mr. Milliard, seen here all smiles in the photo.

The Olympic Torch will be carried from province to province by different Canadians until it reaches Vancouver, home of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

For the safety of its patients, Uniprix has created a new tool, which is now available in most of its sales locations.

The door hanger is a plastic pouch for the health journal. Designed to be hung on a doorknob, this tool is easy to see and contains a person's complete health information. In an emergency situation, this information can be lifesaving.

The ambulance services in Quebec have been informed of this Uniprix Group initiative.

Two new Uniprix ads are currently airing on television. One features a moving discussion between a woman who obviously wishes she could get pregnant and her pharmacist. The other shows young travellers abroad who need advice from their pharmacist.

These ads present real-life glimpses of everyday situations when we need help and the support of someone who cares. Anick Lemay, the friendly "Uniprix woman", speaks at the end of each message.

Clients of Uniprix Gilbert, Gobeil et Martel in Saint-Basile-le-Grand can have fun spotting the elements seen in the ad during their next visit to this store, since the indoor scenes were filmed at that very Montérégie location.

Thanks to the generous donations of various corporations and golfers, the charity golf tournament held on June 15, 2009 in benefit of the Enfant-Jésus and Saint-Sacrement Hospital Foundation raised $100,000 for the institution. Congratulations!

Photo : From l. to r.: Ross Gaudreault, President and CEO, Port of Québec; Roger Caron, co-chair of the event and pharm.-owner of a QC City Uniprix; François Castonguay, hon. co-chair and President and CEO, Uniprix; and Jean-Claude Houde, VP of the org. committee and President of the Foundation.

At the 15^th anniversary of the Golf Classic for the benefit of the Arthritis Society, held this year on July 6, the Society received a cheque in the amount of $96,000. Funds were raised thanks to the generosity of the 126 players along with many sponsors and donors. As the major partner for this event, Uniprix is a proud and committed contributor to research being carried out on this disease, which affects no fewer than 1.1 million Quebecers.

Photo : From l to r: Gilles Lamontagne, General Director of the Arthritis Society, Normand Cadieux of AQPP, Marjolaine Plante of Uniprix, François Castonguay, honorary chair for the event and pres and head of Uniprix, and Diane Morel of Astral Media TV Plus.

Uniprix is proud to sponsor the Mondial des amuseurs publics, which will take place from July 23 to 26, 2009 at Chenaux Park in Cap-de-la-Madeleine. In recognition of Uniprix's support, the event will now be known as the Mondial des amuseurs publics Uniprix de Trois-Rivières! Magicians, clowns, acrobats, comedians and jugglers will all be there! Don't miss this fun-filled event!

Faithful to its tradition, the Uniprix Group hosted the 18^th annual Charles-Bruneau Challenge at the Elm Ridge Golf Club on Île-Bizard. The golf tournament was held on May 25, 2009 to raise funds for the Charles-Bruneau Foundation. In a strong show of support for children with cancer, the event generated $75,000 for the cause!

Photo : François Castonguay, President and CEO of Uniprix and Administrator of the Board of Directors of the Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau; Rébecca Dumont, Executive Director of the Foundation; Normand Bonin, Chairman of the Uniprix Board of Directors.

Faithful to its tradition, the Quebec Cystic Fibrosis Association (QCFA) held its annual ball – its 26^th – at Montreal's Windsor Station on May 7, 2009. This year's event was baptized the Great Spring Ball in celebration of the gift of life, its potential and the hope of one day conquering this terrible disease.

The Uniprix-QCFA partnership gets stronger year after year, and ever more fruitful. In fact, thanks to donations from the general public and the business community, the QCFA is able to fund over fifty cutting-edge research projects annually. Did you know that the average age of survival for people with CF has gone from 4 to 37 years since 1960!

Photo : Seated, second from the left, François Castonguay, President and CEO of Uniprix, flanked by his family. Standing, fourth from the left, François Granger, Vice-President of Corporate Affairs.

In recognition of his support of the cystic fibrosis cause, François Castonguay, President and CEO of Uniprix, received the 2009 Distinguished Corporate Award from the Quebec Cystic Fibrosis Association.

Serving as a volunteer, organizer and major sponsor, Mr. Castonguay has been working with the Association for the past 13 years. He is involved in the QCFA annual benefit evening committee and has served as honorary co-president of its gala in 2004 and 2008. In addition, Mr. Castonguay plays a leadership role in the various committees on which he sits.

Congratulations for this exceptional dedication!

Photo : François Castonguay is flanked by Daniel Lefebvre, President of the QCFA and Lyne Lacroix, President of the QCFA Outaouais Chapter and Chair of the Volunteer Support Committee

Enjoy reading the Health News bulletin? Then you've probably noticed its new look and more polished style. The newsletter has, in fact, been given a facelift and brought up to date.

Health News features information on a wide range of subjects related to your health and that of your loved ones. It's available free of charge from your Uniprix pharmacist every month. Ask for your issue today!

On February 11, 2009, the Johanne Drolet pharmacy, affiliated to Uniprix, opened its doors. There you'll find a full range of services to meet all your everyday needs, not to mention a dermo-cosmetics centre offering products from well-known brands.

Celebrating its 10^th anniversary, the Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau held its Love, Cheese and Company benefit evening on February 10, 2009 at Montreal's Hilton Bonaventure Hotel. Under the honorary chairmanship of Uniprix President and CEO François Castonguay and inspired by memories of España, this colourful event raised $161,000 for research and treatment.

Uniprix has been a proud supporter of this great cause for many years.

Photo : Normand Bonin, Chairman of the Board, Uniprix; Pierre Bruneau, Spokesman and Vice-President of the Board, Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau; Richard Laramée, President of the Board, Fondation; 10-year-old Karelle Racicot, who overcame lymphatic leukemia; François Castonguay, President and CEO, Uniprix.

The annual draw of the Quebec Cystic Fibrosis Association was held on January 15, 2009 at Montreal's Place d'Armes Hotel. While generating many lucky winners, this year's draw also raised $102,000 for research in the field.

Among the prizes up for grabs were 10 Uniprix gift cards, valued at a total of $5,000. In this way, Uniprix played a part in the resounding success of this initiative, in support of those living with cystic fibrosis.

Photo : Seen here in back and wearing a blue shirt and tie is Dominic Martel of the Marketing Department at the head office, and in front, 10-year-old Rosemarie Chatigny, who is living with cystic fibrosis.

Uniprix is now offering reusable bags in two different sizes to meet all your needs. The all new smaller bag is now available at participating locations. It’s convenient and perfect for all your cosmetic purchases and more. With both sizes for only 99 cents, why go without?

All of us at Uniprix wish you health, happiness and peace in the coming year. To keep you company day by day, we are offering you the new 2009 Uniprix calendar. Get your copy at your local Uniprix store today!