The Pincher Creek Legion’s medical equipment lending cabinet has grown into a quiet community lifeline, but volunteers now need help keeping up with the wheelchairs, walkers and scooters coming into and out of the basement storage room.

The local Legion branch is requesting donations for a wheelchair washing unit as part of a planned upgrade of its basement medical cabinet space.

Volunteer co-ordinator Lou Burnham says the unit will allow donated equipment to be professionally cleaned and sanitized in minutes.

“Currently, my very small group of volunteers and I spend so much time cleaning each walker, wheelchair or mechanized scooter that is donated or returned, trying to get into every crevice with spray cleaners and cleaning wipes,” she says.

“Having a wheelchair washing unit will be so much more efficient.”

It will also save time when used with other types of equipment.

Burnham volunteered to organize the collection of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, toilet seat risers and other items donated to the Legion’s medical cabinet for use by the general public. The collection also includes a number of large motorized scooters.

The collection has grown far bigger than expected, overwhelming the small crew that manages it. Even the Red Cross and staff at the Lethbridge hospital now recommend those in need of such supplies contact the Pincher Creek Legion.

There is no charge to borrow equipment, but the Legion asks for a donation when items are returned. The medical equipment lending program operates entirely on those donations.

To learn more about accessing, assisting with or financially supporting the medical cabinet, call or text Lou at 403-627-7621 or visit www.pinchercreeklegion.com.