Pharmacy brand raises over $160,000 to help those in need

From sponsoring three Assistance Dogs puppies, to going on mission trips to child refuge homes in Kolkata and competing in countless fun runs and bike rides, over the past four years Discount Drug Stores has raised over $160,000 to help those in need.

For the national pharmacy brand that prides itself on giving back to the community and helping to improve the health of Australians wherever it can, it’s a significant milestone, one that it hopes to build on over the coming years.

“Supporting charities and community programmes is a big focus for Discount Drug Stores,” said Volunteer Charities Coordinator Sharyn Clark. “We’re very proud of how much we’ve been able to raise for our two partner charities Assistance Dogs Australia and Free To Be over the past four years and hope to continue to grow both of those relationships as well as form new ones moving forwards.”

Since 2012, Discount Drug Stores has fully sponsored two Assistance Dogs, Dee Dee and Sunny, and recently announced at its National Conference that it would be sponsoring a third - one of Dee Dee’s puppies, Bella.

“Discount Drug Stores has been an amazing supporter of Assistance Dogs Australia, donating over $50,000 to help provide Australians living with disabilities with life changing Assistance Dogs,” said Top Dog at Assistance Dogs Australia Richard Lord. “Each dog costs approximately $27,000 to train, which is obviously quite a financial commitment. Having organisations like Discount Drug Stores behind us ensures that we can continue on our mission to help Australians in need.”

Along with financial support, Discount Drug Stores also makes it a point to provide physical help wherever it can, a most recent example being its mission trip to Free To Be’s Kolkata home for disadvantaged children.

An organisation that helps to rescue impoverished children living in Kolkata from devastating circumstances such as child labour and trafficking, a team of Discount Drug Stores staff travelled to Free To Be’s Kolkata home in August 2013, bringing a range of medical and educational supplies.

“We’re so thankful to Discount Drug Stores for all they’ve contributed and continue to give to Free To Be,” said Project Manager of Free To Be Jeanette Thompson.

“We rely on donations and support from people and organisations to keep our shelters running and Discount Drug Stores has proven absolutely invaluable to our cause over the past four years.”

In addition to its two main partners, Discount Drug Stores also provides regular support to fundraising events for multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, and cerebral palsy research, with Mrs Clark stating the brand is now looking at widening its community outreach endeavours.

“We’re now working together with our stores to increase our fundraising activities and to support key charities and not-for-profit groups within each of the areas where we operate,” she said. “Community is an essential part of everything that we do at Discount Drug Stores but we want to do even more to help those in need.”

For more information on Discount Drug Stores and its supported charities, please visit http://www.discountdrugstores.com.au/charity.

Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.

Discount Drug Stores launches bone density testing clinics again in 2014

Discount Drug Stores is striving to help Australians to pick up on the early warning signs of osteoporosis, a serious condition that affects more than one million people, by running bone density clinics again in 110 of its stores.

It follows the success of its inaugural clinics in 2013, which proved highly successful in catching the warning signs of osteoporosis and bone disease, testing more than 2,000 participants and referring more than half to their local doctor for further investigation.

The clinics are also timely following new findings from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing one in four Australians are vitamin D deficient.

“We want to help people to take real preventative action against the disease by helping them to make positive lifestyle changes before it’s too late,” said Professional Services Manager at Discount Drug Stores Casey Clark. "You can’t see or feel your bones getting thinner so these tests are important in determining if an individual is at risk before their bones become so brittle that even a small bump or minor fall can cause a fracture.”

At the clinic each participant will receive information about the benefits of calcium, vitamin D and exercise, fill out a simple questionnaire so their specific risk factors can be determined, and perform a quick and simple ultrasonic bone density test. Participants will then sit with a clinician who will go over their results and personal risk factors, discussing the best preventative measures and treatments.

“The bone density test is quick and painless and allows customers to gain their results instantly,” said Ms Clark. “Participants will also receive completely tailored advice on their risks of osteoporosis and how to prevent the disease to assist in the maintenance of healthy bones.”

With bone density testing highly recommended for anyone over the age of 50, Discount Drug Stores is strongly encouraging Australians to book any family members or loved ones that are at risk of osteoporosis into the clinics.

“To reduce the number of Australians affected by osteoporosis we need to break the silence surrounding the disease,” said Ms Clark. “We hope our clinics get more people talking about bone health and taking preventative action against osteoporosis.”

Discount Drug Stores’ bone density testing clinics will run throughout September and cost $29.99. Each customer will receive a gift bag valued at $20 containing a resistance band, a pack of Ostelin 30 and a recipe booklet. Bookings are recommended. For more information, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.

Media enquiries: Suzanne Ross on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au