Nobody likes a quitter … with the exception of nicotine, that is.
And nobody likes a quitter more than Cochrane’s own Kelly Kimmett.
As the veteran pharmacist of local TWO Pharmacy approaches his retirement after 30 years of dispensing and advising generations of Cochrane families, in true Kimmett family fashion, he is looking to bow out with a bang.
“For my final health project for Cochrane and area I have one simple – but very complicated – request. I would like to see everyone, yes all of you, quit smoking on Saturday, June 15 for one day and hopefully many of you forever,” said Kimmett.
To celebrate the Cochrane Quits event, TWO Pharmacy will have stocked shelves and staff to provide health advice and literature to assist those readying to kick the nic.
On June 15, the store will be celebrating its 30th year in the community – although it has changed names and locations as it has grown throughout the years. This celebration includes a pancake breakfast for all customers and former staff.
“I will fill my final prescription that day and at 1 p.m. at the Lions Event Centre we will be hosting a mass smoking cessation clinic,” said Kimmett, explaining that this includes a presentation by Les Hagen, executive direction of the Alberta Action on Smoking and Health, quitting strategies and support team formations.
“Smoking is deadly and harms everyone … Health Canada estimates that over 45,000 Canadians die each year from smoking-related illnesses. In fact, smoking accounts for one in five preventable deaths each year – which is more than alcohol, traffic accidents, homicides and suicides combined,” explained Kimmett, adding that he lost his own father to lung cancer at age 67 in 1991, who he “watched suffer from this horrible disease.”
“To honour his memory, I ask that all smokers take another run at quitting this June,” he said.
TWO Pharmacy itself signifies how the pharmacy has given back – with each dollar representing “health for you, health for another,” as the pharmacy partners with the WE Charity to give back on an international scale.
Kimmett and wife, Dianne, along with their two sons, extended family and friends by their side, have fundraised millions and given to local and international charities for a decade through the Lindsay Leigh Kimmett Foundation.
The foundation was started in honour of their late daughter, Dr. Lindsay Leigh Kimmett, who was killed at the hands of a distracted driver in early 2008.
Through their grief, the family has banded together to give back to charitable causes that meant a great deal to their late daughter, including helping children in sport, medical advancements and assistance to those live in poverty in third world nations.
While Kimmett and Dianne will continue as visible members in the community and stay involved in other capacities with TWO Pharmacy, Kimmett will not be renewing his pharmacist’s license next month.
Front of store will be handled by owners Ian and Mia Kruger, as well as the youngest of the Kimmett’s sons – store manager Reid.
To learn more, stop by the pharmacy at #105-100 Grande Blvd or follow Cochrane Quits on social media.
