‘An Evening with The Lending Cupboard’ proves an inspiring, community-building event!

 

Meet our happy client Chewya!

Her mom, Karla, was thrilled to be able to borrow a wheelchair from us so her seven-year-old could get outside more easily while recovering from surgery. "She's always on the go, so this allowed us to take her out in the sunshine and have a lovely change of scenery!"

Karla’s been aware of TLC’s services for some time, with other family members having borrowed equipment before, including little Chewya who had previously borrowed a pediatric walker.

“Just the whole concept of how the organization has evolved – starting with one person and how it has grown with meeting the needs of the community,” she explained. “It all proves there is such a need in the community!”

Karla recalled how Chewya, who is a Grade 1 student at Gateway Christian School, was excited to have a wheelchair ride at the hospital, so borrowing one for her post-operation recovery seemed the best thing to do.

“She loves to go to the pond in Westlake – which is a 15-minute walk for us,” noted Karla. “So the day after she was home, I called The Lending Cupboard, talked to the receptionist and asked if there was a pediatric wheelchair. She double-checked, and there was one.

“So I went there with Chewya’s approximate weight and size. A volunteer greeted me at the entrance, and she knew exactly where the pediatric wheelchairs were.”

It wasn’t long before a suitable one was found. “She was super pleasant, and she explained to me how to return it when we are ready to do that,” she said.

Dealing with all of the paperwork was pretty seamless, too. “It was all so positive, and I also just love that it’s mostly volunteers! They are so knowledgeable.”

Considering the costs of purchasing medical equipment in general makes the ability to borrow what you need that much more of a gift.

“It just takes something off of your plate – when you are dealing with medical issues, there is already enough on your plate,” explained Karla. Indeed - being able to lighten the load can certainly ease the stress.

“We really appreciate it!”