Shoppers Drug Mart in Orillia had a special surprise waiting for a special customer Wednesday afternoon.
When Helen Sinclair showed up at the Front Street store, staff greeted her with cake and gifts to celebrate the Orillia woman’s 108th birthday.
After staff sang Happy Birthday and Mayor Steve Clarke presented her with a certificate on behalf of the city, Sinclair told the small crowd, “I do appreciate what you’ve done for me.”
“I don’t hear well,” she said. “I have to read lips. It’s my only affliction.”
Not bad for 108.
“Nearly everybody asks me, ‘What is your secret?’” Sinclair said. “There is no secret, as far as I’m concerned. Maybe it’s good genes. We have good doctors and good drugstores.”
Christina Chung, pharmacist owner at the Front Street Shoppers, wanted to do something to recognize one of her favourite customers on her big day.
“It’s always such a pleasure when she’s here. She has such high spirits. She just brightens everyone’s day,” she said.
Sinclair still does her own cooking, cleaning and driving.
“She’s really inspiring,” Chung said. “She’s so independent.”
Staff presented Sinclair with flowers, gift bags and a cake.
