London Drugs Supports Community Resource Bus

Press Release

September 5th was a special day for both London Drugs and Cowichan’s Community Resource Bus. Allen Peabody, manager of Duncan’s new London Drugs, hosted a community day and made a generous presentation to the Resource Bus project.

On site to receive the donation of over $1000 worth of items from the project’s wish list were executive director Maureen Gallinger and project coordinator Karen Allen of Cowichan Family Life Association.

The Community Resource Bus is the realization of a vision held by community agencies aiming to provide all children with access to early learning opportunities. The bus will promote the value of literacy and will give young children a head start in their readiness for school entry.

Colourful and friendly, the resource bus will make regular stops throughout the region where children aged 0-6 will board with a parent or caregiver. It will be a welcoming place where families can gather together in a fun, safe, learning environment. Early Childhood Educator Birgit Larsen will lead a StrongStart BC Outreach program that will encourage sharing and playing together, singing and reading stories, cooking, crafts, nature study, and dress up for imaginative young children.

The bus, donated by School District 79, will contain a book lending library, Literacy Backpacks, a toy lending library, resources for parents, a computer station, a food and a clothing bank.

Hosted by Cowichan Family Life Association, the Resource Bus is the result of several key community agencies coming together to guide and contribute to the project. This is a brand new initiative for the Cowichan Valley. Currently completing a retrofit, the bus is targeted for an October start date to begin its scheduled outreach to designated stops in the community.

The bus has tremendous potential to build community capacity, strengthen families and make stronger neighbourhoods. Gallinger says, “Karen and I are very pleased to welcome London Drugs as a corporate partner on this exciting community project.”

Members of the community can join the fun by registering with London Drugs’ “Here’s Looking at You, Baby” Photo Contest. Pre-registration takes place in the studio located in Duncan Mall (old CD Plus store) on September 14 from 9:30am-5pm. with all proceeds going to the Resource Bus. The contest takes place from September 15-30 with well-known photographer Lisa Petterson.

For more information about the Resource Bus, contact Karen Allen at 250 748-8281