Helisha Benusic has succeeded at a wide range of jobs over her varied career, and that diversification is serving her well in her newest role, front store manager for Rimbey Guardian Drug Mart.
“I bounce around a ton throughout an average day. I’ll be in the back taking care of some administrative tasks, then help out on the floor, cover the cash for a bit — you definitely have to be good at multitasking to do this job!”
Born and raised in Kingston, Ontario, Benusic moved to Alberta in 2013 to be closer to family. She brings years of retail experience to her job at the Rimbey pharmacy, plus a few other skills.
She’s a certified Phlebotomist, a certified nail technician and spent many years at Sally Beauty in Red Deer offering hair and other beauty services — a combination of skills that demonstrates her adaptability. When asked about any challenges she’s encountered since starting the news job, she shrugs, before mentioning that the pharmacy implemented a totally new payroll system soon after she was hired. Clearly, the curve ball didn’t phase her.
Another through-line in her career has been a passion for serving others.
“I’m definitely a people person — I need to be around people. It gives me a sense of purpose,” she says.
Rimbey pharmacy is a community hub
Benusic lived for years in Red Deer, then moved to an acreage near Rimbey after meeting her husband. They’re raising two children (one five, one 15), plus four dogs, four cats and a roost of chickens. She dreams, one day, of adding horses to the mix.
Her co-worker at Rimbey Guardian Drug Mart, prescribing pharmacist Emily Wong, is also raising chickens, and it’s not the only thing the two Ontario transplants have in common. Both are grateful that the pharmacy works as a community hub, connecting them to new friends and neighbours.
“I really wanted to meet people in the community, so that was a huge part of my desire to work here. I’ve met so many wonderful people coming through the pharmacy,” Benusic says. “I really like it here. Everyone on staff and all of our customers are so welcoming.”
Rimbey Guardian Drug Mart has been serving the community for over 100 years! Find the dedicated staff at 4917-50 Ave., open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Free delivery is available to many surrounding communities on a weekly basis.