Pincher Creek Legion’s medical cupboard program aims to help those with mobility issues gain access to medical equipment, and members of the Legion wish to spread the word. 

The program, which operates solely on donations, offers free loans of various mobility aids to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent anyone from accessing necessary equipment. An individual can borrow any item for as long as they need, whether for a few weeks or many years. 

“The main purpose is to supply medical equipment to the community at no cost to them. We do appreciate a donation in return if possible, but if someone can’t afford it, then they can’t afford it,” says Lou Burnham, who chairs the program committee.

The program is available to any resident of Pincher Creek and surrounding communities looking to maintain mobility and independence, regardless of whether or not they’re a Legion member or a veteran. 

Housed at the local Legion, the medical cupboard is stocked with a wide variety of equipment. Items include wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, raised toilet seats, shower chairs and much more. 

“We’ve helped approximately 200 to 250 people over the last year and a half,” says Lou, describing the positive impact the program has had on community members of all ages.

The program began shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic, when the Legion received a few initial donations of walkers and canes. These donations prompted a Legion member to suggest starting a lending program, and the rest is history. 

Following an extended pandemic-related delay, the Legion elected to convert a 225-square-foot space into a dedicated storage room to house medical equipment for the program. The Legion provided supplies to convert the space, while Pincher Creek Co-op generously donated the paint.

Medical cupboard committee chairwoman Lou Burnham, left, and Legion president Maggie Christians display some of the many mobility aids in stock at the Pincher Creek Legion branch.

Since officially organizing the medical cupboard in January 2023, the program has received a steady influx of donated mobility aids and medical equipment. Support from the community has been essential to stocking the medical cupboard.

According to Lou, about 90 per cent of the items have been donated by local residents, with the remaining items covered through monetary donations. Now boasting a large stock of medical equipment, the Legion looks to return the support of residents by offering the free loaning program.

“The community has been so great. People are getting to know more about the program and are stepping up to support us, so a big thank you to them,” says Lou.  

With a growing demand for services, plans are in motion to further expand the storage space to about 400 square feet to accommodate more equipment. There are plans to make additional pieces of medical equipment available as loan items in the future, including electric scooters. 

As the program grows, Lou encourages residents to donate medical equipment they no longer need, noting, “It doesn’t make sense for it to end up in a landfill.” 

To make a donation in support of the program, visit the Legion branch in person or head over to www.pinchercreeklegion.com.

People interested in borrowing medical equipment can contact the Legion by email at rclegion43@outlook.com or by phone at 403-627-4024. Those hoping to take advantage of the program can also head down to the branch location and speak to staff or a Legion member in person.