The Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program in Nanaimo has new storage space, shelving, and lighting fixtures in its office thanks to funding support from the Nanaimo Community Foundation.
A $10,000 grant from the foundation was provided to assist in upgrading the existing facilities to meet the growing demand for Red Cross health equipment in Nanaimo.
“With the addition of the new shelving and storage areas we have almost eliminated the use of ladders in the repair area, and greatly improved our storage capacity for mattresses, bed rails and parts for our equipment”, said Diane Marwick, central Island loan program coordinator for the Red Cross. “Our new storage space meets all provincial safety standards ensuring that volunteers and staff have all the tools available to go about their day to day work in the safest possible manner.”
The Red Cross loans home-use health equipment, by donation, to individuals who may not otherwise be able to afford the purchase or rental of items such as crutches, walkers, canes and wheelchairs.
The community-based service has been in B.C. for more than 60 years and provided loans to more than 20,000 individuals on Vancouver Island last year.
Without support from the community, and groups like the Nanaimo Community Foundation, the Red Cross would not be able to offer services to people in the Nanaimo region.
The Red Cross office in Nanaimo is at 3-2525 McCullough Rd., and is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Clients are reminded that a referral is required, and are encouraged to call 250-756-9363 to determine the availability of the equipment needed.
For more information on the program, please go to www.redcross.ca/bccoastal.