“If you need it and we’ve got it, you can use it at no cost, no qualifying, for as long as you need it.”
This is the motto of The Lending Cupboard — a private charity that provides medical equipment free of charge to the people of Central Alberta and beyond.
In the last two and a half years, we have helped approximately 7,000 people.
At any given time, more than 70 per cent of our 3,500 pieces of equipment are out in use. In fact, we currently have a major shortage of wheelchairs and four-wheel walkers as spring fever encourages people to want to get out.
Ironically, not all people appreciate this service.
The Lending Cupboard was broken into recently and after rummaging through our equipment, offices and storage cupboards, thieves made off with a new computer/monitor and some cash.
Unfortunately, our computer system is not one of the pieces of equipment that we would gladly lend out. And chances are such that it will not be returned when it is no longer needed.
As busy as the Lending Cupboard’s “angels” are, even a charity is not immune to crime.
Jaqui Joys
Executive director
Lending Cupboard
Society of Alberta
Red Deer