Rexall Canada announced Monday that it has partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to support caregiver mental health during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative, dubbed the “Rexall Care Network,” will support caregivers in over 200 local communities as they provide essential care to loved ones, said Frank Monteleone, the network’s president and chair.
“It’s our goal to have the funds directly support programs and services towards the wellbeing of caregiver mental health. Now more than ever, caregivers need us to care for them.” Since the beginning of Mental Health Week on May 4, Rexall customers were invited to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar to support local caregivers. The initiative will continue through June 30, said a C M H A spokesperson.
“Caregivers are unsung heroes in our communities and families,” says Margaret Eaton, CMHA’s national CEO. “Caring for others can create particular stresses and strains on mental health. We are grateful to Rexall for bringing this to light through their campaign.” Funding for caregiver mental health can go a long way, said Eaton, including training for neighbourhood agencies to support caregivers, resource guides and toolkits on mental health, and broader mental health education and peer support services. During the campaign, the health and safety of customers, patients, and employees remain a priority, said Rexall, which is headquartered in Mississauga.
The company said in a statement Monday that it continues to follow Public Health guidelines and practices for social distancing and the following changes apply to this campaign: – Bubbles will remain behind the plexi-glass at registers and pharmacy counters to be handled only by store staff and pharmacists; – Rexall employees will write the customer name on the bubbles, to avoid close contact and limit risk; –
There will be no bake sales, raffles, BBQs or other fundraising events – the only fundraising options include bubble sales and the roundup prompt. Since 2018, Rexall has helped support CMHA through in-store mental health fundraisers. The funds raised during Mental Health Week in May 2018 provided mental health and suicide prevention workshops and supported 600 youth athletes in local communities around Ontario. For more information, visit rexall.ca/carene twork.
