Lots to smile about with recent Shoppers Drug Mart donation

Thanks to the efforts of a committed and hard-working group of staff and volunteers from Shoppers Drug Mart Sidney Street, a $10,500 donation was made to Belleville General Hospital Foundation in December. The 2023 Love You Campaign donation (formerly known as the Tree of Life initiative) brought the cumulative giving total amount to nearly $150,000 since 2013. On hand to accept the donation on behalf of BGHF, Major Gift Officer Erin Hewitson remarked, “Cancer touches us all. With their continued support, Wynand and the team at Shoppers Drug Mart Sidney Street ensures we can continue to advance our ability to provide world-class cancer care for our friends, family members, colleagues and neighbours whenever they need it, and close to home.”

Wynand Bekker, owner and pharmacist was proud to present the cheque stating “The staff are to be commended for their efforts. By organizing donations for the yard sale, a used book sale at the store, playing in the tournament, all because of their passion to make a difference for cancer patients in our region.”

The funds are collected through two main initiatives, an annual yard sale and the ball tournament. This year’s Tree of Life 3 pitch Ball Tournament included 12 teams: Thunder Buddies, Tail Gators, SDM 1309, Quinte Hearing, Saints and Sinners, Thomas’ Troopers, Straight off the Couch, Rock and Roll Express, Isotopes, SDM 987, Slapshots and Pit Stop Car Wash and Detailing. Says key organizer of this 9th tournament, Murray Lefebvre: “This result is thanks to the loyal support year after year of donors, players, Shoppers Staff and Wynand Bekker. With 55 local individuals and businesses offering prizes our tournament reflects huge community support.” Although now retired from Shoppers Drug Mart, Murray says he will help to organize the tournament for one more year, but promises the tournament is in good hands going forward.

BGH Foundation Executive Director, Steven Cook, commented, “We are so grateful for this loyal support from Shoppers Drug Mart. These funds are vital to Quinte Health Belleville General Hospital’s Dr. Douglas A. MacIntosh Cancer Care clinic, where our oncology team provides world class care aimed at improving cancer survival rates within our region.”

Photo (L-R): Janet Holden, Jennifer McTavish, Events Officer with BGHF, Wynand Bekker, Owner & Pharmacist at Shoppers Drug Mart Sidney Street, Erin Hewitson, Major Gift Officer with BGHF, Murray Lefebvre, and Janice Sager.