Red Cross loan program

Photo: Contributed

“It’s probably the most rewarding volunteer job I’ve ever had,” explains Dara Murphy, volunteer and co-leader of the Canadian Red Cross’ Health Equipment Loan Program in Penticton. Dara, who started volunteering for this program in 2009, says every person this program serves is very thankful and that’s rewarding indeed.

The Health Equipment Loan Program is one of the Canadian Red Cross’ core programs which helps community members by lending them health equipment on a short-term basis at no cost. Typically, people need equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers and bathing aids after they experience an injury or surgery. Those in need of this rehabilitation equipment can qualify by requesting a referral from their doctor, surgeon, physical or occupational therapist. 

This vital program relies on donations, which helps people in Penticton save thousands of dollars every year. Dara remembers many of the clients sharing, “I could not have survived without this equipment,” and rightly so, as health related equipment is costly and many people simply don’t have the means or health insurance to offset this financial burden. Often, many are also in a vulnerable position as they live alone and find it challenging to mentally prepare for and recover from a serious surgery.

Luckily for the city of Penticton, the Health Equipment Loan Program continues because of the dedication of its community volunteers. Dara, who moved to Penticton 10 years ago, from Vancouver Island, wanted to get involved in her new community and in a well-timed fashion, her good friend Lynne Napper just happened to stumble upon a news article that cited this program was shutting down due to a lack of volunteer support. So, Lynne and Dara decided to make this volunteer gig a concrete commitment, donating their Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to managing the administration and training, filling in when needed on the front desk and becoming co-leaders of the site.

There are now 16 volunteers in total. Four people are required per shift, three days a week from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and there is a demand for more volunteers to ensure this core program remains available for the community. If you have four hours a week to spare to help your community, please email [email protected], or call the Penticton Red Cross office at 250-493-7533. 

The Canadian Red Cross is part of the largest humanitarian network in the world, and one of 190 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The mission of the Canadian Red Cross is to improve the lives of vulnerable people in Canada and around the world. Visit www.redcross.ca health equipment loan program for more details.