Boston Pizza’s Future Prospects biggest fundraiser for the year is happening now until February 14, 2016.  
Future Prospects is supporting Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – Canada Division, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Kids Help Phone, Live Different and the Rick Hansen Foundation.  
Drumheller Boston Pizza Office manager Kadena Pierce said, “For every heart shaped pizza sold, $1 is donated by Boston Pizza."  This is their main  focus  for this charity. Also for a minimum donation of $1 you will received a pink paper heart, and for a $2 donation for a peal back hearts and you will  also win one  of four prizes which are: a free panookie, pizzatizer, starter or $2 off any dessert."  Pierce also encouraged, "Reservations will be a good idea  to make for Valentines Day."Boston Pizzas Future Prospects has committed to support and enhance the mission of finding mentors and role models for kids through Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Boston Pizza Foundation has been a corporate partner of Kids Help Phone and its counseling support program since 1995. This program provides kids and families with mentorship support in difficult situations. It also offers adult role models armed with leading-edge information.
JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) is the leading charitable funder and advocate focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. The goal of JDRF is to improve the lives of all people affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, treating and preventing this disease.
Over three million Canadians have some form of diabetes, and JDRF strives to help people of all ages and at all stages of the disease to live better, longer, healthier lives.
Boston Pizza Foundation has helped support Live Different motivational presentations in high schools across Canada. As one of the largest organizations that speaks to youth in Canada face to face, Live Different offers programs that empower hundreds of thousands of young people every year with the idea that each life has value and that they can make a difference in the world.
The Rick Hansen School Program provides free curriculum-specific resources to elementary and secondary schools across the country. Through engaging activities, lesson plans, videos and speakers, students learn to respect differences and to discover that they can make the world a better place for everyone.

    Now that the celebratory gatherings have passed, seasonal illnesses and the influenza virus have spread. You may be healthy now but keep in mind influenza is contagious.  Alberta Health Services (AHS) is encouraging all Albertans to protect their health and get immunized against influenza.
    AHS is seeing sporadic cases of influenza across the province.  As of January 7, 2016 the Central Zone had 39 laboratory confirmed cases of Influenza A and 18 of Influenza B.  Seven of these cases were hospitalized and there have been no confirmed deaths.  
    More than 1,000,000 doses of influenza vaccine have been administered in Alberta. Drumheller is in the Central Zone and so far there have been over 96,000 doses administered.
    The vaccine is available at the local Community Health Centre for anyone over the age of six months.   An appointment is required and the vaccination is free of charge.  You can also go to your local pharmacy and  get the shot for free.  It is convenient and no appointments are necessary.
 “We are in the influenza season and it is not too late to get immunized.” expressed Dr. Ifeoma Achebe, Medical Officer of Health for the Central Zone. Achebe further said, “The most vulnerable are our seniors who are impacted more seriously. We need to stress that if you are sick, stay at home, wash your hands thoroughly and cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Influenza A & B are respiratory illnesses that are very contagious and very serious.”
    AHS states that if you are sick, you should not prepare food for anyone and stay away from hospitals and senior’s lodges until you are fully recovered.  It is also important to keep household surfaces clean by using household cleaners.
    At Anderson Drug, located  in Freson Bros., Community Pharmacy Manager Pat Doyle said, “The only difference between the Community Health Centre and getting it done at the pharmacy is that the youngest age is 9 years.  The community Health Centre has the resources available in case of allergic reaction for younger patients.”
    To make an appointment with the Community Health Centre, please call 403-820-6004 and press 0 for reception.  Their hours are 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Monday to Friday.
This week's poll question is:  Are you planning to get your flu shot this season?