The Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) provides a much-needed service to people who need items for home care after major surgeries or a break.
The Red Cross cupboard, as it is known, is a nonprofit located in the basement of qathet General Hospital. It is run solely by volunteers and through donations; equipment rentals are free of charge.
"We lend equipment on a short-term basis by medical referral from a health-care professional," said longtime and lead Red Cross HELP volunteer Chris Becker. "A variety of equipment is available to borrow, from crutches, bath chairs and wheelchairs to walkers."
August 17 is recognized as National Nonprofit Day, and a great time to remember that so many organizations depend on donations and volunteers to provide services to the community.
"We are also seeking additional volunteers to keep our service running; if we lose this service in our community, people will have to travel to Courtenay to access equipment," said Becker. "It has been three years since the program has had volunteers."
However, because of a recent call-out made on social media, a few folks have applied. Volunteer-in-training Catherine Anderson is one such applicant.
"I want to give back to my community," said Anderson. "I had to help my dad [with equipment]; he recently passed away."
The equipment loan cupboard is more of a room, but it is packed full of crutches, wheelchairs, walkers and other things people need after surgery, or for home care.
"The numbers tell you everything: on a monthly basis, we could have anywhere from 50 to 80 people come and get pieces of equipment," said Becker. "That's including equipment that is picked up by health-care workers and taken to the client’s home for them."
Becker said it would be a hardship for the community if the service wasn't offered here.
"They're more than welcome to go to Vancouver Island or down to the Lower Mainland and get equipment from Red Cross offices," said Becker. "Now that's a hardship; you've got to pay the money to go on the ferry and it's basically a day out of your life."
She said some folks are getting quite elderly and may not have access to a vehicle.
"I've been volunteering here for 10 years," said Becker. "If you're recovering from a surgery, people usually need a walker or crutches or a cane, or sometimes a raised toilet seat, because of a hip joint or a knee joint."
Red Cross HELP services can be found across Canada. The community-based service relies on support from provincial governments, community grants, health authorities, donated equipment and financial contributions from donors.
Becker said she would be happy to have more volunteers on board.
To find out how to volunteer or to make a donation, go to redcross.ca/volunteer, or call 604.485.3211, extension 4361. Hours of operation are Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 12 pm.
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