The Lending Cupboard in Red Deer is a unique community initiate that lends out medical equipment to those who need it, free of charge. 

Everything from air boots, crutches, and wheel chairs are available for someone in need. 

Executive Director with the Lending Cupboard Dawna Morey says they've had to add a $10 processing fee for all loan applications.

She says they want to make sure people know there is still no charge to rent equipment.

“The processing fee is to help with our systems, and our overhead costs to be continuing to operate. We’ve grown significantly in the last ten years, and last year we had over 9,800 people come through our facility, and processed over 17,000 pieces of medical equipment.”

She says donated equipment is cleaned and inspected thoroughly to make sure it's still in working order.

“Things that we DON’T accept, is we don’t accept hospital beds, or any kind of beds. At one time we did have hospital beds, but we don’t have the space, and we don’t have the infrastructure to continue that service. If not by us, we know of places that will take things like blood pressure machines and things like that.”

Morey says they want to ensure that no one will ever be turned away if they are in need, and that processing fee can be waived if need be.

A donation of $25 dollars or more will also waive the fee.

The Lending Cupboard is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 until 4:30, and is located straight west of the Red Deer Regional Hospital.

http://lendingcupboard.ca/