NEWS RELEASE
L’ARCHE STRATFORD
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Maulin Patel purchased West End Pharmacy on Huron Street in October from former owner George Jansen.
Patel had been working as a pharmacist at the business for two years prior.
Patel says he was motivated to buy the business for several reasons when Jansen indicated he was ready to retire.
“George did very good work building this pharmacy, people know the name and the service it provides. It was always my goal to either open a pharmacy or purchase a pharmacy,” he said.
“I knew about the reputation the pharmacy has and the excellent service it is known for. People always comment West End Pharmacy goes above and beyond when they need help.”
As for being in Stratford, Patel could hardly contain his enthusiasm.
“I love the City of Stratford. I have always wanted to live in a medium size city of 30,000 to 40,000 people. I am not a big city kind of person.
"Stratford is an amazing place to work, the community is very helpful and always supports local. People are always so appreciative.”
Patel, who commutes everyday from Kitchener, is actively looking for a home in Stratford.
He says he wants to continue Jansen’s support of L’Arche Stratford.
“It’s community service and a good part of community service," he said. "The community in L’Arche Stratford, from core members to personnel, have always felt like family to me. L’Arche is a non-profit organization doing excellent work.
“We are always happy to support L’Arche Stratford.”
Patel’s donation of $7,500 is in addition to previous contributions of $15,000 bringing the total cumulative donation of West End Pharmacy to $22,500.
The $6.5 million Be Belong Become capital campaign will fund the construction of a 13,000 sq. ft. building for L’Arche Stratford community members at 426 Britannia St.
The new building will increase L’Arche Stratford’s capacity by 65 per cent and reduce the waitlist for service by 30 per cent.
L’Arche Stratford is part of an international organization that began in France in 1964. Founded in Stratford in 1973, L’Arche Stratford became the fourth community globally.
L’Arche Stratford’s mission is to “make known the gifts of people with developmental disabilities revealed through mutually transforming relationships.”
The organization currently supports approximately 35 people in homes and approximately 50 community members.
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