London Drugs reopens end-of-day shopping to public, launches fundraising effort

Canadian retailer London Drugs is reopening its end of day shopping time to the public while still focusing efforts on COVID-19 relief. Starting May 11, the last hour of the day no longer will be reserved exclusively for front-line workers and first responders. 

The company said the hour has been used by fewer and fewer of these workers in past two weeks as grocery stores and pharmacies begin to expand their opening hours beyond 9 p.m.

As it opens up its shopping hour again, though, the Richmond, British Columbia-based retailer is introducing a new way to raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts. It is selling $5 cowbells at all of its stores and online, with net proceeds going to COVID-19 healthcare needs in Canada’s Western provinces. Beneficiaries include the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control Foundation for Public Health, the University of Alberta Hospital Foundation, the Hospitals or Regina Foundation, the Saskatoon Hospital Fund and the Manitoba Health Sciences Centre Foundation. 

“We love seeing the community spirit, support and togetherness during the 7 p.m. cheer,” said Clint Mahlman, London Drugs president and COO. “The purchase of a cowbell will not only add to the nightly cheer we hear across our cities but also the net proceeds will go directly into our provinces’ health care systems.”