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Gala shares inspirational stories, vital community need for medical equipment program

TLC presents ‘An Evening with The Lending Cupboard’ June 16
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Summer is just around the corner and communities are joyfully connecting again – it’s time to celebrate!

Staff members at The Lending Cupboard in Red Deer are thrilled to bring folks together again through ‘An Evening with The Lending Cupboard,’ June 16.

A registered charity, The Lending Cupboard lends medical equipment for extreme sports injuries, those recovering from illness or surgery, and end-of-life care.

Olympic women’s hockey gold-medalist Hayley Wickenheiser and Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor Ryan Straschnitzki will be the special guests for this inspirational fundraising event at the Cambridge Hotel & Conference Centre. Highlights include a delicious dinner, a 50/50 draw, and silent auction items.

“When I think of this event, I reflect on our community which has been so resilient and has continued to look forward,” says TLC Executive Director Dawna Morey. “I also believe this can be a celebration, after two years of not being able to come together and gather in the ways we were so used to.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than having two inspirational people like Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser and Ryan Straschnitzki come and speak to us. It just aligns so well with what we do at The Lending Cupboard.”

Red Deer is definitely a sports minded community, Morey adds, and beyond both speakers being sports champions, they also both have unique connections to the mission of TLC.

Inspirational guest Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor Ryan Straschnitzki.
Inspirational guest Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor Ryan Straschnitzki.

“Hayley, who is now a full-fledged physician, would truly understand the need for an organization like ours and the equipment that we provide,” Morey says. “And Ryan, through the tragedy of his accident, has over time had to use a number of the mobility aids that we provide.”

“We’ve read about the journeys that both of these individuals have gone through in their lives – their accomplishments and overcoming adversity. It’s inspirational for us, because that’s what we hope we can also help other people do.”

Morey says that in planning events like this, there must be a connection with what TLC stands for, and with the overall mission of the organization.

“I think Hayley and Ryan exemplify that.”

Strong community support is also critical for TLC to continue to fulfill its mission.

“Most important for us is that we also serve our clients with dignity – and we can’t do that without the community’s help,” Morey says. “The Lending Cupboard really is about inspiring people to do the best that they can do to support their mobility and their independence.

“Ultimately, this is a way for the community to come out and support us, and at the same time really enjoy an evening with two incredible people.”

For tickets, please visit www.lendingcupboard.ca/events.

An inspirational evening for all to enjoy.
An inspirational evening for all to enjoy.