Dawna Morey (back-second from right), executive director at The Lending Cupboard, is retiring after seven years leading the organization. Here, she's pictured with TLC board chair Amanda Blair (back-right), BIG 105 morning show hosts Jamie Worthington and Rhyean Hylands, and special guests of TLC's recent fundraiser, Hayley Wickenheiser and Ryan Straschnitzki, on June 16, 2022. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

a very successful run

The Lending Cupboard’s Dawna Morey to retire after 7 years at helm

Jun 18, 2022 | 10:18 AM

Dawna Morey, executive director of Red Deer’s The Lending Cupboard (TLC), which lends out medical equipment with little to no barriers, is retiring.

Morey, 68, has helmed the organization for seven years, and on June 16 oversaw An Evening with The Lending Cupboard, which raised many thousands of dollars for the organization. TLC has processed several thousand items — from air casts and commodes to bed rails and crutches — this year alone, and more than 100,000 she estimates, in her time guiding the ship.

Morey says she has several personal dreams to fulfill once she can fully step away. She has told the organization’s board she’ll be available to assist with the search for a new leader.

“I think of how far we have come since I joined the organization in 2015, when we were open four hours a day, loan forms were hand-written, and we were in the old location which we had outgrown,” said Morey. “Fast-forward to today, with the increased hours, automated processes and much more space in a new facility. We have improved policies and procedures and most of all we have an exceptional staff team and volunteers that work collaboratively — always focused on our clients.”

Morey added that The Lending Cupboard is in a financially sound position, with new community partnerships budding, and donations steadily increasing.

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Board Chair Amanda Blair said Morey has shown tremendous leadership during her time at TLC.

“I’d like to highlight how fortunate The Lending Cupboard has been to have someone like Dawna at the helm for the last seven years,” said Blair.

“She has been instrumental in helping to get us to where we are now.”

The overall profile of The Lending Cupboard has been boosted thanks to Morey’s efforts, Blair noted. The organization serves all of central Alberta, of course.

“She’s been such an advocate for our organization and what we do – she’s really passionate about The Lending Cupboard and that all of our clients are treated with respect.”

The Lending Cupboard is positioned to achieve plenty over the next three to five years, Blair said.

Morey concludes: “I have been humbled and honoured to have had the opportunity to lead this amazing organization and I will always be an ambassador for TLC.”

More information about The Lending Cupboard is at lendingcupboard.ca.

READ MORE: Hockey heroes Straschnitzki & Wickenheiser give ringing endorsement to The Lending Cupboard