Evelyn Markin has stopped pulling her hair out over finding a new location for the Mirror Image Room.
Since her story appeared in the Western News on July 27 she’s received five offers of space for the organization, which supplies free wigs and head coverings for people undergoing chemotherapy in the South Okanagan Similkameen.
“I’m surprised but I’m also very pleased that so many people were willing to come forward like that to help us,” said Markin, Mirror Image co-ordinator.
The organization has been without a home since the closure of the Main Street office of the Canadian Cancer Society as part of its current re-structuring campaign.
The new location of Mirror Image will be Skaha Chiropractic located at 3373 Skaha Lake Rd., opening Sept. 2.
“There’s a couple other health people in there and so Dr. (James) Cooper was looking for somebody who would fit in with the whole health thing,” said Markin. “The room is actually bigger than the one we had and parking is readily available and it’s level which means it’s accessible to people who have mobility issues. It turned out to be a perfect fit.”
Others who offered space included The Cannery, Hat Hideaway, City Centre Pharmacy and Penticton United Church.
“We heard about it in your paper and so we had a room all set up for them but they got a better offer, so that’s good,” said Brad Houston, who chairs the church’s building and property committee. “I think they have such a good service for people and especially women who lose their hair and feel conspicuous and if they have a wig they can put on they can face the world much easier.
“It’s something that helps keep up these people’s morale.”
According to Markin, it was important to have a comfortable, private space for those receiving the pieces which they now have. She estimated Mirror Image helps about 50 people annually and expects the numbers to increase in the future.