The Foundation launches its annual fundraiser with the support of a new spokesperson.
Longueuil, May 6, 2010 – The À PRO.PEAU Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in April 2008 in view of enhancing the quality of life of children suffering from chronic skin disorders, is very proud to announce its partnership with Bruno Guglielminetti, a well-known journalist at Radio-Canada, La Presse and Le Devoir and new director at National. Bruno Guglielminetti, whose son suffers from a severe form of eczema, has accepted with enthusiasm to serve as the Foundation’s spokesperson. Founded by Christine Néron, head cosmetician for more than 20 years, À PRO.PEAU’s mission is to advise, inform and support the families with a child suffering from a severe disorder such as atopic eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis or acne.
The À PRO.PEAU Foundation launched its second fundraiser last April 29. Since that date, attractive necklaces are sold on an exclusive basis in all stores of the Jean Coutu network, at the cosmetics counter. Necklaces are sold $10 each. For each necklace sold, $5 is donated to the Foundation.
"We were touched by this cause since there is no organization at this time that assists children suffering from skin disorders. We believe it is important to contribute to the development of the research on skin disorders to enhance the quality of life of people affected by such diseases. So we are happy to offer our support to this cause that occupies a very special place in our hearts," pointed out Johanne Meloche, Vice-President Cosmetics and exclusive brands.
The fundraiser of 2009 allowed the À PRO.PEAU Foundation to donate an amount of $12,500 to the Sainte-Justine Hospital Foundation for the development of a pilot project of the first atopy school in Canada.
The funds raised this year will allow a few children with severe forms of skin disorders to travel to Avène or La Roche-Posay in France to benefit from a thermal cure of 21 days. The necklaces sold in all Jean Coutu stores represent a symbol of hope and a better quality of life for all children who suffer from severe skin disorders.
About The Jean Coutu Group
The Jean Coutu Group is one of the most trusted names in Canadian pharmacy retailing. The Company operates a network of 370 franchised stores in Canada located in the provinces of Québec, New Brunswick and Ontario under the banners of PJC Jean Coutu, PJC Clinique, PJC Santé and PJC Santé Beauté, and employs more than 17,000 people. Furthermore, as of December 2007, the Jean Coutu Group owns Pro Doc Ltd ("Pro Doc"), a Québec-based subsidiary and manufacturer of generic drugs. The Company also holds a significant interest in Rite Aid Corporation ("Rite Aid") a national chain of drugstores in the United States with nearly 4,800 drugstores in 31 states and the District of Columbia.
Hélène Bisson
Vice-President, Communications
The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc.
(450) 646-9611, Extension 1165
[email protected]