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Sendial Program

When someone needs a hand, we are happy to help. Our Sendial Grocery Shopping & Delivery Program does the shopping for customers who, because of injury, frailty or other physical reason, can’t easily get to our stores or shop independently.

Sendial was born out of the collaborative vision of Thrifty Foods customer and seniors advocate Prue Cunningham, and Thrifty Foods founder Alex Campbell Senior. The service opened at our Fairfield, Victoria location on January 13, 1987. Within a year, more than 100 customers depended on Sendial for their weekly groceries and fresh foods. Today, that number has grown to over 700 customers served every week!

Celebrating 30 Years of Sendial

Sendial is made possible through the generous hearts and hands of more than 550 dedicated volunteers. We are honoured, grateful, and inspired by the commitment of this incredible volunteer team, who work incredibly hard to quietly help our community.

Getting Started with Sendial

How does Sendial work?

Thrifty Foods Sendial volunteers phone each Sendial customer on an assigned morning each week to take their order, and then shop the order the next day. After we process the order through our checkout, we send it out for delivery in a refrigerated delivery truck. Delivery times vary from week to week depending on what other orders are on the delivery truck, but you can be sure you’ll receive your groceries the day after placing your order. We do require that someone be available to accept and pay for the order in person when we deliver. Sendial is available on a temporary or permanent basis for just $5 per delivery. For more information, visit our Sendial FAQs or contact our Customer Care team.

Who is eligible for Sendial?

Sendial is a shopping and home delivery service for individuals or couples with a medical condition, an age related frailty, or a permanent or temporary disability preventing them from shopping in-store without assistance. Examples include: physical mobility issues such as difficulty walking, going up and down steps, or standing; cognitive limitations or vision impairment. Check out our Sendial FAQs for detailed program information, or contact our Customer Care team with any questions.

How can I register for Sendial service?

If you need shopping help, talk to us. Our Customer Care team is available at 250-544-1234 or 1-866-948-0196 (press 2). Alternatively, email us your name and a daytime telephone number and we’ll give you a call to answer your questions and talk to you about eligibility*.

Please review the Sendial FAQ's for specific program information or call/email our Customer Care Team with any questions.

*Space in this program is limited so customers will be wait-listed if their service location is operating at capacity.

How can I join the Sendial volunteer team?

Though our team is 600 dedicated volunteers strong, the program keeps growing and willing hands are always appreciated. Sendial volunteers commit to a single, two to four-hour volunteer shift each week. If you’d like to learn more about the program and volunteer requirements, check out our Volunteer Position Descriptions. If you have a heart for helping, we'd love to talk to you! Give us a call at 250-544-1234 or 1-866-948-0196 (press 4, then 2) or email sendial@thriftyfoods.com.

*Vacancies are not always available at specific locations, so potential candidates may be wait-listed until a position comes open.

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