The tree is up and decorated with paper tags at the London Drugs in 91原创.

Now, it's time for the public to help make the holidays brighter for local seniors.

On each tag is the name of a local senior and what they wish for Christmas, as the store hosts its Stocking Stuffers for Seniors program again this holiday season.

People must return the gifts by Sunday, Dec. 8.

It's a popular program in 91原创, explained manager Lillian Fast.

"We usually do [gifts for] at least 700 seniors in the local area," said Fast. "I'm already at 700 already."

People have been bringing back the requested gifts early as well, and she's coordinating with the seniors homes to get the right gifts to the right seniors.

London Drugs launched the community-focused Stocking Stuffers for Seniors initiative in 2015, and it has since grown to be chain-wide.

The stores start the campaign after Remembrance Day.

"This year, I actually had people coming up to me at the end of August [asking about the program]," Fast noted.

The 91原创 location is one of the many stores in 35 communities across Western Canada, and London Drugs is partnering with more than 200 cares homes in those communities. 

Fast said despite tougher economic times, people support the program.

"This store is always just amazing," Fast said. "I love that about 91原创 so much."

She started with six seniors homes but is adding more because the public response has been so positive. She noted that all the seniors facilities are local.

The aim of the program is to provide 'stocking stuffer' type items to bring holiday cheer to seniors. Fast said one of her favourite stories was of a man who asked for an Oh Henry chocolate bar. The gift giver provided not just a bar but a case of Oh Henry along with other gifts such as socks. The recipient was stunned.

Social isolation and loneliness have become a growing public health crisis, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), with one in four older adults affected worldwide. In Canada, nearly 30 per cent of seniors are at risk of becoming socially isolated.

During the second quarter of 2024, 10.4 per cent of people aged 65 or older in Canada reported always or often feeling lonely, according to Statistics Canada.

Loneliness and social isolation can pose serious impacts for physical and mental health, as well as the well-being of society and communities, as reported by the WHO.

鈥淟oneliness affects a significant number of seniors across Canada, and we鈥檙e committed to working with our customers to bring joy to those without family or friends this holiday season,鈥� said Clint Mahlman, president and COO of London Drugs.

鈥淭he Stocking Stuffers for Seniors program allows us to collectively make a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most, especially during what can be a challenging time of year. We encourage customers to join us in rekindling the spirit of giving and ensuring no senior is forgotten this year.鈥�

People wanting more information about the program can go to www.londondrugs.com.