For the last 15 years Terry Bryden has volunteered in Prince George with the Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program.
This is National Volunteer Week and the Canadian Red Cross wanted to showcase Bryden who is in one of the many volunteer positions available throughout their organization.
Bryden learned about the loan program when her husband, Dave, had his hip replacement more than 15 years ago and accessed the loan program for items to make life easier during his recovery.
The program provides health equipment on a short-term basis to individuals recovering from illness or injury and empowers people to live with independence and dignity. Healthcare professionals provide referrals to patients to access the loan program to get the equipment selected to safely meet the needs of each person, the Red Cross website explains.
The equipment is typically loaned for between three and six months and it’s all by donation, so there is no barrier to gain access to what is needed to support healing.
“I was able to sign up to volunteer, do the training, meet the people here at the Red Cross and start volunteering,” Bryden said.
“This program is more important than ever with all of the need for surgical recovery, keeping people in their home longer by making them feel more comfortable and I think that is one of the main focuses of this program, no question.”
It is so rewarding to help people, Bryden added.
“And they are happy to be helped and come in to get the equipment they need to make their lives easier and that’s what has kept me going for as long as I have and for as long as I can,” Bryden said.
Some people may need equipment on a continuous basis to assist them in their daily lives but don’t know what would suit their needs best. The Health Equipment Loan Program provides the opportunity to try out what the person needs, as recommended by a health professional, before making what could be a costly purchase, Bryden added.
“That way the person can borrow it, try it out and then purchase what they need,” Bryden said.
Bryden has been working with the same core group of volunteers and staff throughout the years.
“And it’s a great place to volunteer, everyone is so wonderful,” Bryden said. “The training is so thorough. The other volunteers and the staff here are all so helpful. I would encourage anyone who is looking for a place to volunteer to consider the health equipment loan program. It’s so rewarding to be able to help people in need.”
For more information about the Canadian Red Cross and how to volunteer visit https://www.redcross.ca/
