News

Quebec City, December 6, 2011 – On December 5^th, the pharmacist-owners of the Uniprix-affiliated Ouellet, Boudreau and Mercier pharmacy celebrated the official opening of their new store in the presence of distinguished guests. Located in the Des Châtels neighbourhood (4770 Sainte-Geneviève), the drugstore created about fifteen new jobs.

 “We are proud to offer the residents of this neighbourhood and surrounding areas access to quality, professional services right where they live!” explained Guy Ouellet, pharmacist-owner. “We are located in a sector under major development; and we warmly invite our future customers to drop by and meet our dedicated, highly qualified team!”

On November 7, 2011, pharmacist-owners Karine Larochelle and Didier Rioux were proud to herald the official opening of their new Uniprix-affiliated pharmacy in the presence of distinguished guests. This was big news for the local community: not only is the new store the only pharmacy in Saint-Antonin, it will also create close to fifteen jobs.

“We are delighted and proud of our decision to launch a pharmacy in the bustling region of Saint-Antonin. The new establishment will give the residents of Saint-Antonin and surrounding areas access to quality professional services close to home. We extend a warm welcome to our future customers and invite them to come meet our energetic, qualified team!” said the pharmacist-owners.

On August 25, 2011, François Castonguay, President and CEO of the Uniprix Group, served as Honorary Chairman of the 18th Annual Golf Classic of the Cancer Research Society.

The tournament attracted some 130 golfers, who gathered at the Elm Ridge Golf Club on Île Bizard. It raised a record-breaking amount of $164,000, a sum that will be dedicated to cancer research.

From left to right: Mr. Domenic Pilla, President of McKesson Canada; Mr. François Castonguay, President and CEO, Uniprix Group; Mr. Mario Chevrette, President, Cancer Research Society; Mr. Andy Chabot, Executive Director, Cancer Research Society.

The Uniprix Group is one of the main partners of the S.O.S. Richelieu cleanup, which took place on June 11, 12, 18 and 19, 2011.

"Our affiliated pharmacists and their employees in Montérégie experienced hardship as a result of the floods, and to show our concern, our team from around Quebec decided to get involved, with the help of our suppliers. In fact, we prepared 2,500 bags containing various products needed for the cleanup (gloves, masks, plastic bags, water, juice, etc.) – a value of more than $115,000. The bags will be distributed by S.O.S Richelieu to families affected by the floods," said François Castonguay, President and CEO of the Uniprix Group.

Seen here on the left, François Castonguay, President and CEO of the Uniprix Group, accompanied by Michel Fecteau of S.O.S. Richelieu.

Drummondville, May 2011 - Uniprix Group is proud to be a major sponsor of the 30th annual Mondial des Cultures in Drummondville. Since May 9, advance badges have been available at Drummondville Uniprix-affiliated pharmacies. A number of activities will be featured at the festival, which showcases folklore traditions from around the world in a spirit of universal peace.

Uniprix Family Zone

This year, the Uniprix Family Zone will host a variety of activities and services, including an amusement area with inflatable games and a “Mom Zone” with a place for breastfeeding and a changing table.

This major event will include 350 performances and activities, involving hundreds of artists from here and abroad. Uniprix Group is proud to be affiliated with O Tahiti E and its presentation on Tahitian folklore.

Many samples and discount coupons will be distributed to visitors attending this popular festival. Women are invited to take part in a special event on July 11 featuring makeup stations just for them.

To purchase advance badges, visit one of these Uniprix-affiliated pharmacies:

• Uniprix Claude Hillinger, 755 blvd. René Lévesque (Promenades Drummondville)
• Uniprix P. Gilbert, D. Gobeil et P. Martel, 511 Hériot Street
• Uniprix J. Cloutier, M. Despins et N. Blanchette, 126 Hériot Street

Montreal, May 25, 2011 - With the launch of two new ads, the Uniprix Group is conveying the message that its affiliated pharmacists are fully prepared to expand their service offer to Quebec consumers, while continuing to deliver those services they have come to appreciate (view ads).

"The Uniprix Group believes that its affiliated community pharmacists are well positioned to help ease the overcrowding of front-line services. In fact, they are doing just that already, for example, by using nurses for services like blood pressure monitoring, and, of course, by doing what they do best, that is, giving patients valuable health advice!" says Uniprix Group president and CEO François Castonguay.

Quebec's largest network of independent pharmacists fully supports the Government of Quebec's intention to allow its pharmacists to perform new duties, including three which have already been agreed upon (extending prescriptions, adapting drug therapies and requesting lab tests to monitor drug therapies).

"Our affiliated pharmacists are ready to do more for their patients, who ask nothing better than to have access to healthcare providers with advanced training, high levels of expertise and consultation offices for private discussions, but most importantly professionals they know and trust," adds Mr. Castonguay.

Over the last four years, Uniprix's creative platform has focused on the concept of "Family Pharmacist." Its two most recent 30-second television ads – and those to come – use various means of addressing the expansion and evolution of services offered by pharmacists.

François Castonguay, President and CEO of the Uniprix Group, is proud to present the 2nd edition of the Martin Matte Cup, an all-levels benefit tennis tournament set to take place on August 1, 2011, at the Uniprix Stadium. Through its involvement, the Uniprix Group is pleased to support the Martin-Matte Foundation, a charitable organization working on behalf of people with traumatic brain injuries and physical disabilities.

Sign up your team today for your chance to win a trip or Uniprix gift cards.

Complete details at www.coupemartinmatte.com

April-May 2011 – Uniprix is proud to serve as major sponsor for the latest contest launched by the Fondation Camille & Paul Delage Roberge, which supports disadvantaged children facing emotional, financial, physical or educational challenges. As part of this partnership, Uniprix is selling tickets for the DREAM PENTHOUSE – QUARTIER DIX30 draw. Forty-five percent of the funds raised by Uniprix through ticket sales will be turned over to the charitable organizations it supports.

Tickets can be purchased for $10 each at Uniprix-affiliated sales locations. With every ticket, participants have 3 chances of winning one of the 35 high-end luxury gifts, including a penthouse in Brossard's Quartier DIX30 (a value of $700,000). There will be six draws prior to the main draw for the 35 prizes, set to be held on November 18, 2011. For more details on the Foundation and the contest: http://www.fondationcpdroberge.com.

The Uniprix Group is proud to have reached the $1 million mark in overall donations to the Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau. The announcement was made at the latest edition of the benefit event, Amour, fromages et compagnie, held on February 15, at the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure.

"The Uniprix Group is thrilled to have forged such strong ties with the members of the Foundation in the past 18 years. We certainly plan on continuing to support children with cancer for many years to come!" declared François Castonguay, President and CEO, Uniprix Group (see in photo, to the right).

In turn, Foundation spokesperson, Pierre Bruneau (left in photo), explained: "It is important for us at the Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau to recognize the devotion and generosity of the Uniprix Group, which has been a loyal donor for nearly 20 years. This latest milestone just goes to show the Group's dedication to the Foundation's mission and their commitment to making a real difference in the lives of children who are courageously battling cancer. On behalf of all the children receiving care at the CHU Sainte-Justine Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau, please accept our most heartfelt thanks."

The ranking, produced by Leger Marketing and previously published in Commerce, can now be read in the French-language business newspaper Les Affaires. It lists the companies admired by Quebecers.

To no one's surprise, the Cirque du Soleil topped the list, followed by Google (both companies were 2^nd and 1^st last year). Rona, CAA-Québec, Sony, Johnson & Johnson and Bombardier also made the "Top 10."

"Year after year, for at least 10 years now, Uniprix has made the list of companies most admired by Quebecers! Our pharmacist-owners, their employees and our team at the head office are extremely proud of this distinction. Uniprix's ranking once again confirms that Quebecers appreciate the warm, friendly atmosphere of our sales locations, as well as our involvement in the community," declared François Castonguay, President and CEO of the Uniprix Group.

At the 12^th Soirée des sommets held at the end of October, Uniprix Jean Beaulieu of Tring-Jonction in the Beauce area was presented with one of the region's prestigious corporate awards, a "Sommet Vision 2025."

The Uniprix Group is proud of the vitality of its network of sales locations in Quebec and warmly congratulates Mr. Beaulieu and all of his partners!

After Ayer's Cliff, it is now Magog's turn to take advantage of the arrival of an all new Uniprix-affiliated Lemaire, Lamontagne and Moffet pharmacy. On September 14, the dynamic team of pharmacist-owners opened their new sales location on Principale Street West in the complex housing the Marché Végétarien. Thanks to their two drugstores, pharmacist-owners Lemaire, Lamontagne and Moffet have now taken on a leadership role in the region's pharmacy market.

This summer, during the 56^th edition of the Traversée internationale du lac Saint-Jean and one leg of the FINA World Cup, the City of Roberval took the opportunity to honour François Castonguay, President and CEO of Uniprix Group. Mr. Castonguay has played a decisive role as chairman of three fundraising campaigns over the past 10 years.

Impressed by his dedication, the City's administration declared Mr. Castonguay an Honorary Citizen of Roberval, a noteworthy title it has now awarded just four times in its history.

Photo : The mayor of Roberval, Michel Larouche (left), surprised Mr. Castonguay during the recent general assembly of Uniprix Inc. on September 14. He presented him with a commemorative gift in recognition of his much appreciated service.

In the Quebec retail market, Uniprix boasts the greatest number of stores to have obtained the highest recognition (level 3: "Performance") for exemplary waste management from the ICI ON RECYCLE ! program of the government agency RECYC-QUÉBEC. In fact, to date some 70 sales locations of the Uniprix Group have been awarded level 3 certification.

In recent weeks, the following sales locations have received the certification:

Greater Quebec City Region:
Roby, Lambert et Néron (Uniprix, L'Ancienne-Lorette), Manon Giroux Gosselin (Uniprix, Val-Bélair), Chantal Deslaunais et Marilène Lozier (Clinique Santé, Québec) and Roby et Lambert (Unipharm, Wendake).

Mont-Joli:
The two Marie-Noëlle et Isabelle Minville pharmacies.

Gaspe:
Uniprix Gaston Babin, Bonaventure and New Carlisle; Unipharm Martin Gagnon, Gaspe; Uniprix Martin Gagnon, Gaspe; Uniprix Plourde Desneiges, Gaspe.

Laurentides:
Uniprix Granger, Pinel, Halley et Leduc, Saint-Jérôme.

Saint-Rémi:
Uniprix Viviane Jbeili et Louise Chouinard.

Rimouski:
Uniprix Grenier, Lavoie et Patry and Uniprix Diane Lepage.

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women: one in nine Canadian women will be affected.

Unfortunately, there are several risk factors for breast cancer. On the other hand, the following health habits could help prevent breast cancer: don't smoke, work out regularly, keep a healthy weight, drink alcohol moderately and eat a healthy diet. Nonetheless, mammography remains the best screening method.

To learn more about breast cancer, we invite you to participate at the Breast cancer awareness days organized by the CHUM on the 17^th and 18^th of March 2010. It will take place on Grande-Place in the Complexe Desjardins. We will have presentations starting at noon and different specialists will be there to answer to all your questions.

For almost one month now, Uniprix customers throughout Québec have had the chance to make donations to the Red Cross at the check-out counter of Uniprix stores.

Your generosity helped us raise more than $100,000 for the Canadian Red Cross in support of earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

Uniprix stores will be accepting donations for Haiti until February 28, 2010.

Given the current situation in Haiti, all the necessary measures must be implemented to provide assistance. In response to the crisis, Uniprix is working with the Red Cross to do its part. As such, you can now make a donation through Uniprix in one of two ways:

• At any Uniprix-affiliated pharmacy in Québec;
• Online at www.uniprix.com.

All the funds raised (100%) will be donated to the Québec Division of the Canadian Red Cross to provide humanitarian aid to Haiti.

Charles Milliard, a pharmacist and Vice-President of Professional Services, was proud to carry the Olympic Torch over a distance of 500 metres in Ancienne-Lorette on December 3, 2009.

"I was selected as torchbearer after submitting my request like every Canadian could and pledging to do something to make Canada a better country. I am actively involved in Pharmacists Without Borders. As a pharmacist, it's my way of helping make the world a healthier place. The Olympic Torch is such a meaningful symbol and I will remember this day for a long time to come", explained Mr. Milliard, seen here all smiles in the photo.

The Olympic Torch will be carried from province to province by different Canadians until it reaches Vancouver, home of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

For the safety of its patients, Uniprix has created a new tool, which is now available in most of its sales locations.

The door hanger is a plastic pouch for the health journal. Designed to be hung on a doorknob, this tool is easy to see and contains a person's complete health information. In an emergency situation, this information can be lifesaving.

The ambulance services in Quebec have been informed of this Uniprix Group initiative.

Two new Uniprix ads are currently airing on television. One features a moving discussion between a woman who obviously wishes she could get pregnant and her pharmacist. The other shows young travellers abroad who need advice from their pharmacist.

These ads present real-life glimpses of everyday situations when we need help and the support of someone who cares. Anick Lemay, the friendly "Uniprix woman", speaks at the end of each message.

Clients of Uniprix Gilbert, Gobeil et Martel in Saint-Basile-le-Grand can have fun spotting the elements seen in the ad during their next visit to this store, since the indoor scenes were filmed at that very Montérégie location.

Thanks to the generous donations of various corporations and golfers, the charity golf tournament held on June 15, 2009 in benefit of the Enfant-Jésus and Saint-Sacrement Hospital Foundation raised $100,000 for the institution. Congratulations!

Photo : From l. to r.: Ross Gaudreault, President and CEO, Port of Québec; Roger Caron, co-chair of the event and pharm.-owner of a QC City Uniprix; François Castonguay, hon. co-chair and President and CEO, Uniprix; and Jean-Claude Houde, VP of the org. committee and President of the Foundation.

At the 15^th anniversary of the Golf Classic for the benefit of the Arthritis Society, held this year on July 6, the Society received a cheque in the amount of $96,000. Funds were raised thanks to the generosity of the 126 players along with many sponsors and donors. As the major partner for this event, Uniprix is a proud and committed contributor to research being carried out on this disease, which affects no fewer than 1.1 million Quebecers.

Photo : From l to r: Gilles Lamontagne, General Director of the Arthritis Society, Normand Cadieux of AQPP, Marjolaine Plante of Uniprix, François Castonguay, honorary chair for the event and pres and head of Uniprix, and Diane Morel of Astral Media TV Plus.

Uniprix is proud to sponsor the Mondial des amuseurs publics, which will take place from July 23 to 26, 2009 at Chenaux Park in Cap-de-la-Madeleine. In recognition of Uniprix's support, the event will now be known as the Mondial des amuseurs publics Uniprix de Trois-Rivières! Magicians, clowns, acrobats, comedians and jugglers will all be there! Don't miss this fun-filled event!

Uniprix is proud to sponsor the Mondial des amuseurs publics, which will take place from July 23 to 26, 2009 at Chenaux Park in Cap-de-la-Madeleine. In recognition of Uniprix's support, the event will now be known as the Mondial des amuseurs publics Uniprix de Trois-Rivières! Magicians, clowns, acrobats, comedians and jugglers will all be there! Don't miss this fun-filled event!

Faithful to its tradition, the Uniprix Group hosted the 18^th annual Charles-Bruneau Challenge at the Elm Ridge Golf Club on Île-Bizard. The golf tournament was held on May 25, 2009 to raise funds for the Charles-Bruneau Foundation. In a strong show of support for children with cancer, the event generated $75,000 for the cause!

Photo : François Castonguay, President and CEO of Uniprix and Administrator of the Board of Directors of the Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau; Rébecca Dumont, Executive Director of the Foundation; Normand Bonin, Chairman of the Uniprix Board of Directors.

Faithful to its tradition, the Quebec Cystic Fibrosis Association (QCFA) held its annual ball – its 26^th – at Montreal's Windsor Station on May 7, 2009. This year's event was baptized the Great Spring Ball in celebration of the gift of life, its potential and the hope of one day conquering this terrible disease.

The Uniprix-QCFA partnership gets stronger year after year, and ever more fruitful. In fact, thanks to donations from the general public and the business community, the QCFA is able to fund over fifty cutting-edge research projects annually. Did you know that the average age of survival for people with CF has gone from 4 to 37 years since 1960!

Photo : Seated, second from the left, François Castonguay, President and CEO of Uniprix, flanked by his family. Standing, fourth from the left, François Granger, Vice-President of Corporate Affairs.

In recognition of his support of the cystic fibrosis cause, François Castonguay, President and CEO of Uniprix, received the 2009 Distinguished Corporate Award from the Quebec Cystic Fibrosis Association.

Serving as a volunteer, organizer and major sponsor, Mr. Castonguay has been working with the Association for the past 13 years. He is involved in the QCFA annual benefit evening committee and has served as honorary co-president of its gala in 2004 and 2008. In addition, Mr. Castonguay plays a leadership role in the various committees on which he sits.

Congratulations for this exceptional dedication!

Photo : François Castonguay is flanked by Daniel Lefebvre, President of the QCFA and Lyne Lacroix, President of the QCFA Outaouais Chapter and Chair of the Volunteer Support Committee

Enjoy reading the Health News bulletin? Then you've probably noticed its new look and more polished style. The newsletter has, in fact, been given a facelift and brought up to date.

Health News features information on a wide range of subjects related to your health and that of your loved ones. It's available free of charge from your Uniprix pharmacist every month. Ask for your issue today!

On February 11, 2009, the Johanne Drolet pharmacy, affiliated to Uniprix, opened its doors. There you'll find a full range of services to meet all your everyday needs, not to mention a dermo-cosmetics centre offering products from well-known brands.

Celebrating its 10^th anniversary, the Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau held its Love, Cheese and Company benefit evening on February 10, 2009 at Montreal's Hilton Bonaventure Hotel. Under the honorary chairmanship of Uniprix President and CEO François Castonguay and inspired by memories of España, this colourful event raised $161,000 for research and treatment.

Uniprix has been a proud supporter of this great cause for many years.

Photo : Normand Bonin, Chairman of the Board, Uniprix; Pierre Bruneau, Spokesman and Vice-President of the Board, Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau; Richard Laramée, President of the Board, Fondation; 10-year-old Karelle Racicot, who overcame lymphatic leukemia; François Castonguay, President and CEO, Uniprix.

The annual draw of the Quebec Cystic Fibrosis Association was held on January 15, 2009 at Montreal's Place d'Armes Hotel. While generating many lucky winners, this year's draw also raised $102,000 for research in the field.

Among the prizes up for grabs were 10 Uniprix gift cards, valued at a total of $5,000. In this way, Uniprix played a part in the resounding success of this initiative, in support of those living with cystic fibrosis.

Photo : Seen here in back and wearing a blue shirt and tie is Dominic Martel of the Marketing Department at the head office, and in front, 10-year-old Rosemarie Chatigny, who is living with cystic fibrosis.

Uniprix is now offering reusable bags in two different sizes to meet all your needs. The all new smaller bag is now available at participating locations. It’s convenient and perfect for all your cosmetic purchases and more. With both sizes for only 99 cents, why go without?

All of us at Uniprix wish you health, happiness and peace in the coming year. To keep you company day by day, we are offering you the new 2009 Uniprix calendar. Get your copy at your local Uniprix store today!