RDDCF ensures medical equipment is accessible during COVID-19

Safety and continued service were maintained through support from ECSF

When the pandemic came to Central Alberta, The Lending Cupboard (TLC) became very concerned about how it could continue to serve the community. This unique non-profit organization, which has been operating in Red Deer since 2006, provides medical and mobility equipment to the community at no cost.

COVID-19 presented TLC with numerous challenges:

• How could they safely provide medical equipment to clients, many of whom are elderly or otherwise at risk?
• With the doors closed to the public, how could they facilitate the lending of equipment and the safe return of equipment?
• How could they restructure their processes, sanitation equipment, and facility layout to implement heightened infection-prevention protocols and keep their staff, volunteers and the public safe?

As a further complication, the fundraising capabilities at TLC, like all charities, was impacted during the lockdown.

Executive Director Dawna Morey shares: “The Board of Directors and I came together quickly to do some intensive continuity planning. We realized that the only way forward was a redesign and retrofitting of our facility.”

As a response to the challenges faced by charities like TLC, the Government of Canada, as well as Community Foundations of Canada, developed the Emergency Community Support Fund (ESCF). The Red Deer & District Community Foundation granted to The Lending Cupboard, through this fund, just over $24,000.

“The funding we received was incredibly impactful,” she said. “That our local Community Foundation recognized the important work of The Lending Cupboard in the community and supported our quest to continue that work, even through COVID-19, it’s so meaningful.”

The Lending Cupboard now receives returns in a large bay at the back of the building, has improved its sanitation equipment and processes, and meets with individuals requiring medical equipment one at a time, by appointment.

“Our local Community Foundation made this process easy for us. They communicated with us throughout the application process and helped us through a stressful time. The shorter term impact of COVID-19 has provided a long-term benefits The Lending Cupboard and the people we serve.”

The Lending Cupboard Executive Director, Dawna Morey