Suitable building space for a vital service, primarily for seniors, provided by the Canadian Red Cross is needed in Penticton.
Health Equipment Loan Program is a volunteer-supported, community-based program that provides essential health equipment to individuals on a by-donation basis.
Access to equipment supports the independence of clients, enabling them to remain an active part of their community and thereby increasing their health and well-being. The service to the community also reduces long-term facility placements, facilitates hospital discharges and supports people who wish to spend their final days in the comfort of their own home.
The Canadian Red Cross is looking to operate this expanding service and is in need of 1,500 square feet of space, with ground floor accessibility, adequate space for client service, equipment storage and cleaning/disinfection area. They also need the space at no cost or at a reduced rent to ensure minimal expenses.
Volunteer team leaders Lynne Napper and Dara Murphy said clients often tell them how appreciative they are of the program, stating: “The service is a life saver,” and “I don’t know how we could have managed without the service.”
Last year, 15 HELP volunteers donated over 2,324 hours to assist over 1,200 clients in Penticton. During this time they provided 2,500 pieces of free equipment.
The Canadian Red Cross is reaching out to the Penticton community in order to find a new, more suitable building space for their Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) Depot.
Contact Michelle Stefan, HELP program assistant with the Canadian Red Cross, at 250-328-8752 to assist in identifying a new location.