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Zellers has been closed for more than a year, but the legacy of the iconic retailer still resonates in Orillia, where the chain had deep roots.
More than a decade ago, Zellers recognized there was a severe shortage of pharmacists in Canada and decided to do something about it. The retailer developed an innovative program to recruit pharmacists working in the Philippines.
“I am very thankful for the opportunity given to me through this program,” says Cristina Privado. “For everyone who went through that program, it was one of the very best. It was excellent training.”
The Filipinos had to pass an initial evaluation exam in Vancouver before enrolling in a bridging program through the University of Toronto. The intensive one-year program included a six-month internship/studentship at a Zellers pharmacy.
Upon graduation, Zellers, working hand in hand with the federal government’s Human Resources Development Canada attained work visas for the new graduates, who had signed, at minimum, three-year contracts to work in a Zellers pharmacy.
The program helped filled a key gap in the job market and paved the way for an influx of bright, energetic professionals to come to Canada where they were assured a job. That is until Zellers decided to close its more than 300 stores from coast to coast.
“I remember it was Family Day 2012 and we were at a friend’s house contemplating our future after it was announced Zellers would be closing,” recalled Privado. That friend was fellow Filipino Rizza Pardillo, the pharmacy manager at the Orillia Zellers store.
“She asked if we would be interested in joining her in opening a new pharmacy,” said Privado, who, by then, had fulfilled her contract and was working full-time at the Angus Pharmasave where she was also a shareholder.
The idea quickly caught on among Pardillo, Privado and a pair of other program graduates from the Philippines. Even when Pardillo, the driving force behind the plan, had to abandon the initiative when family considerations prompted a move out of province, the others decided to follow their dream.
“There was no Pharmasave in Orillia, and we just felt it was a great place to open one,” said Privado.
With the help of local realtor Ian Ross, they found an ideal location: a highly-visible roadside storefront at 200 Memorial Ave., in the mall beside Theo’s. They opened up last July.
“It’s not to the point where we want it to be, but we’re on the right track,” says Privado of the bright and modern pharmacy. “We’ve met a lot of people but we’re still trying to reach more people. Some people still don’t know we’re here.”
In addition to traditional marketing, the owners recently set up information booths at orientation events at both Georgian College and Lakehead University.
“We gave students gift bags and pamphlets and just let them know that we’re here,” said Privado, who noted students will get discounts on over-the-counter merchandise and save a portion of their drug benefit co-pay. “We want to welcome younger people and let them know it’s not just about coming to get a prescription filled, it’s also education about healthy living, about prevention … we want people to feel comfortable to come here and talk to us.”
In addition to being a full-service pharmacy, Pharmasave Orillia also offers other services. For example, a flu clinic is planned, smoking cessation programs are offered and a methadone maintenance program for addiction and pain can be accessed through the pharmacy.
“We understand people want to save money, so our prices are very competitive,” said Privado, noting their dispensing fee is $11.99 and adding they waive the $2 fee for those who use the Ontario Drug Benefit. But she said price is only one piece of the puzzle.
“A pharmacy is all about relationships,” said Privado. “I truly believe the people working here genuinely care and are concerned for people. That’s what sets us apart.”
The Pharmasave culture is also what helps to define them, she said. “Each pharmacy is independently owned but we are treated like family,” said Privado. “You really feel supported. They’re here to support us and to support our customers.”
For the enterprising Filipinos, it’s been an interesting voyage.
“It’s one of the legacies Zellers has left to many communities,” said Privado. “I wouldn’t have ever thought of coming here if it wasn’t for Zellers. Now, I am a business person, we’re employing others … it’s really quite amazing.”
For more information on Pharmasave Orillia, call 705-259-8888 or visit pharmasave.com. The store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Submitted photo
Cristina Privado is one of the driving forces behind Pharmasave Orillia, at 200 Memorial Ave. The store is owned by a trio of Filipinos who graduated from a unique program Zellers created to help address a critical shortage of pharmacists in Canada.
