April 3, 2024
Kari Leiper, executive director (far left), and Lynne Colaris, board director with Hearts for Healthcare (far right), join members of the Cold Lake Community Health Services team — from left: Sharon Winik, Todd Farrell, Mujahid Thaha Mohamed Abdul Kader, Madison Bekkers, Shelby Pollock, Jana Dugas and Candice Stewart) — in celebrating the arrival of a new bariatric wheelchair funded by community donations. Photo Supplied.
Story by Amelia Schofield
COLD LAKE — Long term care clients and community members receiving rehabilitation after a stay at the Cold Lake Healthcare Centre will benefit from a second bariatric wheelchair.
Funded by Hearts for Healthcare, the new bariatric wheelchair and accompanying cushion will provide individuals with enhanced support, stability and comfort and are specially designed for higher weight capacities. The addition of a second bariatric wheelchair will allow healthcare providers at Cold Lake Community Health Services to support a greater number of clients.
“This new wheelchair will be very beneficial for our clients and will help us continue to provide appropriate, safe and client-focused care,” says Sharon Winik, area manager, Allied Health Services, Area 8 with Alberta Health Services.
“The wheelchair will be available on short-term loan for long term care residents and community members who need assistance with safely mobilizing after an acute care hospital stay. It will also support them in actively participating in rehabilitation and their daily activities.”
Hearts for Healthcare contributed more than $4,300 toward the purchase, with funds raised through events such as their annual gala, Mega Bounce Run, Sparkle in the Park and the Tim Hortons’ Smile Cookie campaign.
“As an organization, we take a wholistic approach to our work, so we support many areas including the Cold Lake Healthcare Centre, community health services and primary care. We take this approach so we can have maximum impact in our community.” says Kari Leiper, executive director, Hearts for Healthcare.
“It was important for us to fund this wheelchair because we felt it would touch the lives of many individuals and make a real difference in their healing journey,” adds Leiper.
“We are so appreciative of everyone’s support. Our donors really rally behind our efforts, and we are truly grateful for their many contributions to healthcare in our community.”
Winik adds: “We thank the Cold Lake community for their generous donations to Hearts for Healthcare.
“Hearts has been a tremendous supporter of Cold Lake Community Health Services, and we are grateful for the difference these contributions make in the lives of our clients.”
Learn more about Hearts for Healthcare.
