Langley's Elks clubs and Aldergrove Save on Foods have partnered to provide a "Caroline's Cart" for special needs individuals and caregivers.
The shopping cart helps transport special needs customers through the store while shopping, eliminating the need to maneuver a wheelchair and traditional shopping cart at the same time.
The cart's seat can accommodate youths as young as four weighing 35 lbs., up to senior citizens weighing 250 lbs.
There is a five-point safety harness as well as front and rear brakes. The seated customer faces the caregiver, who pushes the cart, and the large basket in front holds the selected goods, just like a traditional cart does.
An Aldergrove mother with a special needs son, Barbara Prince, was there to try the new cart out. She said she has used a similar cart at the Langley Save on Foods and has been impressed with how it helps her shop while taking care of her son.
"He's too big to fit in the infant seats on the old carts and it's just too difficult to have him walk with me," said Prince. "Erik (her son) really likes sitting in these carts."
Langley Elks president Barb Gee said the safety features of the carts are also a boon for caregivers shopping with frail seniors.
Langley's Elks have purchased the $1,210 carts in partnership with Save on Foods stores in White Rock, Cloverdale, Langley, Chilliwack, and now Aldergrove.
"We are the 17th store in B.C. and Alberta to have one of these carts," said Save on Foods manager Brent Domonkos.
"Customer service is our priority and we want to take every measure possible to ensure that children of our customers are able to participate in mainstream society with their family through the common activity of grocery shopping."