Become a Guardian Angel this Winter

Guardian Pharmacies, in conjunction with World Vision Australia, have again launched their annual Guardian Angel program from June 1. The program aims to encourage the community to knit warm clothes for under privileged children in Mongolia. 

Each year, the three month program (first run in 1999), has successfully provided thousands of children across third-world countries with warm knitted garments to protect them against harsh winter climates.  The items are collected through Guardian stores nationally, and then jointly distributed through World Vision. 

Guardian Pharmacy Brand Manager Amanda Millis said, "This year World Vision has identified a growing need for garments for older children aged between 2 and 10 years. Through their work in third world countries and disaster areas, they have discovered larger clothes can be more beneficial to a family, as they can be passed down to younger siblings as the children grow." 

"We will be encouraging our customers to think big for the Guardian Angels 2007 campaign.  By just using an extra ball of wool or two, a whole family could be kept warm for years." said Ms Millis.     

World Vision representative, Paul Bird said "The climates these children live in are some of the most extreme on the planet.  In Mongolia, one in four children dont have adequate clothing to get them though winters, where the average minimum temperature can be as low as minus 38 degrees Celsius."   

"We are delighted Guardian Pharmacies have continued to recognise this ongoing need, and thank them, together with their customers, for making such a difference in the lives of these innocent children," Mr Bird said.

Community members wishing to participate in the Guardian Angel campaign can visit their local Guardian pharmacy and pick up a free Guardian Angel knitting book, containing patterns for childrens garments sizes 2 - 10.  

Finished garments can be dropped off at your local Guardian Pharmacy before 31st August 2007.   For those who are unable to knit, donations of wool can also be made at Guardian stores in designated Guardian Angel donation boxes. 

"Last year we received a staggering 400,000 items of clothing during the three month program.  That's around 1,600 items for each of our 250 national stores, which is just phenomenal.  We can't thank the community enough for their support and hope to have a similar response this time around." said Ms Millis.

Guardian Pharmacies encourages all Australians to assist those less fortunate than ourselves by supporting the Guardian Angel Knitting Program.

To find your nearest Guardian store location, please call 1300 888 666 or log on to: www.guardianpharmacies.com.au

About Guardian Pharmacies

Guardian Pharmacies Australia is part of the Sigma Group.  Their market positioning focuses on "health problem/solution" with the emphasis on the professional, white coat advice of pharmacists as health care providers and counsellors. Guardian is committed to enhancing the professional role of the pharmacist and delivering better business outcomes to its members through a range of innovative programs and services.