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Canadian Tire reverses course, donates medical equipment

Canadian Tire's about face

Canadian Tire is shifting gears after it was revealed earlier this week that they were selling medical-grade supplies and protective gear.

Canadian Tire says the decision was not made as a result of reporting earlier this week and claims the move had been in the works for some time, CTV News reports.

The retailer now says the supplies will be donated to health-care workers and local hospitals.

Canadian Tire stores in Vancouver came under fire after it was discovered they had stockpiles of masks and personal protective gear for sale. Canadian Tire head office did not respond to CTV's request for comment until today's announcement.

The company now says 160,000 masks, 164,000 pairs of gloves and 20,000 litres of hand sanitizer have been donated to hospitals, nursing homes and community organizations. The company also announced a $5-million response fund designed to help Canadians impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic which will be to the United Way and the Red Cross.

-with files from CTV News Vancouver



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