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Fontana rewards civil servants

Published:Thursday | August 15, 2013 | 12:00 AM
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From left: Lieutenant Colonel Rad Mason, Pvt Garfield Barnett, and Fontana manager Pat Forbes pose with the rewards card at Tuesday's launch of the Public Service Professionals Discount Card in Barbican.
President of the Nurses Association of Jamaica, Anthonette Patterson Bartley (left), receives her card from Fontana pharmacist Monica McDowell.
From left: DSP Steve Brown, Sgt Raymond Wilson, chairman of the Police Federation, Constable Ainsley Pagon, and Ruthlyn Sherwood of Fontana Pharmacy, share in the presentation of the rewards card. - Colin Hamilton/Photographer
Clayton Hall, president of the Jamaica Teachers Association, receives his card from Zadia Forbes, sales and marketing manager.
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Keisha Hill, Gleaner Writer

The Fontana Pharmacy Rewards Card is now available to customers of the Barbican branch in St Andrew. Strategically, the pharmacy chain has incorporated members of the civil service, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Jamaica Teachers Association, the Nurses Association of Jamaica, Jamaica Fire Brigade and members of the medical profession including doctors.

According to Kevin O'Brien Chang, managing director of the chain, the company sees itself as a larger community and the aim is to play its part in furthering the advancement of Jamaica.

"While all Jamaicans play a vital role, most will agree that the members of the civil service who educate us, protect us and keep us healthy are in a sense the backbone of the country. We are also committed to joining the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica initiative to create a national discount policy for civil servants," Chang said.

At the other Fontana locations islandwide, discount cards were offered to soldiers, police, firemen, doctors, and nurses. However, because of identification concerns, teachers were not included. Nonetheless, there is now a workable system and teachers have now been included to get the discounts.

How it works

Civil servants can now access up to 10 per cent discount on purchases at any location of Fontana Pharmacy. The rewards begin with purchases as low as $500; customers can earn 25 points and a cash value of $5. Just complete a membership form for a free Fontana Rewards Card, then start to 'get more than you pay for'. Points are earned every time you shop and you can enjoy exclusive members-only discounts and specials. There is also an exclusive birthday club discount programme and points are earned on prescriptions.

Nursing Student of the Year, Tameka Swaby, is happy with the programme. "With the current wage freeze and the low spending budget, Fontana has now made it easier for us to afford the things we need," Swaby said.

Private Garfield Barnett of the JDF thinks Fontana Pharmacy has made a smart move. "They are helping us to cushion the effects of the wage freeze. We can get discounts for prescriptions, school supplies and other necessary items," Barnett said.

Fontana Pharmacy also has branches in Westmoreland, Montego Bay and Mandeville. For more information on the Fontana Rewards Card, visit www. fontanapharmacy.com.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com