Lending Cupboard implementing processing fee to recover costs

She added that if clients borrow an item only to find that it’s an ill-fit or not aiding them as it should be, that they can return it in exchange for a different size or item with no second charge.

“If after that six month period that situation has changes, like somebody using a toilet riser but their health has declined or physio determines they need a commode instead, and it’s a year down the road, then there would be another processing fee.”

Another option to paying the processing fee is to make a donation of $25 or more. Morey said for people doing this it ensures that they receive a charitable tax receipt, as the Lending Cupboard is a registered charity.

“We also need people to know the fee should never ever be a barrier for anybody. We will never let anybody walk out the door without equipment.”

Last year alone the Lending Cupboard serviced over 9,800 people providing in excess of 17,000 pieces of medical equipment.

Morey said she recently completed a review of the wheelchairs in the Lending Cupboards stock and found that there are over 530 out in the community, with 230 of those having gone out since January 2017.

“We had a shortage this summer and the demand was there because of accidents or special events where people wanted to be able to go.”

She said that there are over 300 wheelchairs out in the community that have been out anywhere from one to seven, or even eight, years. “We are trying to determine where some of those are because we believe that some are simply missing in action now.”

Much of the trouble comes from a misconception that the Lending Cupboard can supply items from the time of need to end of life in some instances, which Morey said is not the intention.

“We have people coming in after surgeries and needing [wheelchairs] because they can’t afford to buy them.”

She added that the Lending Cupboard tries to remain on top of new equipment recommendations as they come from doctors and surgeons. This includes the new recommendation of cryo-pak’s for short term injury rehabilitation like knee surgeries.

“We are always checking in to see what we need to get.”

She added that the community has always been incredibly supportive of the Lending Cupboard which ensures their ability to continue operating.

“Aside from the one small contract that we have with AHS the rest of the operating budget is raised through grants and support from service clubs and private donations.”

Morey said last years’ goal for fundraising was $160,000 and they were extremely thrilled to reach that. Their fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30 and the new goal, with the increased hours and demand, is $180,000.

“We did an assessment and the recommendation around increased hours and needing more space to operate came out of that. So we are endeavouring to address some of those recommendations that came out of that assessment.”

by Kirsten Dennis

Lending Cupboard implementing processing fee to recover costs

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