Kindness brings wheelchairs and mobility to communities

Partnerships put generosity into motion in northern Alberta

Story by Lisa Laferriere

Residents in Cold Lake, Bonnyville, St. Paul and Elk Point are benefiting from a series of wheelchair donations to local health services.

Recently, 40 wheelchairs became available from surplus equipment through the Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) program. The chairs, stored at Eco Medical Equipment in Edmonton as part of the AADL North Zone Recycle program, were offered to the above northern communities’ health services sites for their loaner pools.

“Donations like this are what keep our loaner program going and allow us to continue offering this service to the community,” says Angela Potts, area manager, Seniors Health with Assisted Living Alberta.

“Without this kind of support, clients might need to pay out of pocket or travel to larger centres to borrow equipment. Thanks to this donation, we can provide the service locally, making it accessible to everyone.”

The wheelchairs will be made available for long-term care centres, health sites and community clients, ensuring people can remain mobile and independent while they are waiting for permanent equipment. They’ll also be used in short-term loan programs, helping individuals who are waiting for their own mobility equipment, recovering from illness or surgery, or needing temporary support at home or during inpatient care.

When staff began looking for a way to transport the wheelchairs from Edmonton to the four northern Alberta communities, one of the companies they reached out to for a service quote was Defender LTL Inc., a cargo and freight company in Bonnyville. Owner Derek Antoniuk immediately offered to deliver all 40 wheelchairs — for free.

“Having the wheelchairs delivered free of charge was such a wonderful surprise and generous gift,” says Sharon Winik, area manager, Allied Health Services with Alberta Health Services. “The donation of equipment, plus the donation of time and services, has saved us thousands of dollars. And Derek ensured the wheelchairs arrived in all four communities within days of our request.”

Derek and Shaylene Antoniuk, owners of Defender LTL Inc. in Bonnyville, say giving back is simply part of how they run their business.

“We’re always open and looking for ways to support community organizations around the Bonnyville area,” says Shaylene. “Offering our services is a simple way to make a meaningful impact. We were happy to do this to support local healthcare services.”

These donations also highlight how healthcare-community partnerships make a genuine difference in improving quality of life for Albertans. Winik adds: “We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity and support in getting this equipment.”

For more information about home and community care equipment loaner programs in northern Alberta, call the Continuing Care Access Line toll-free at 1-855-371-4122.

For more information about Defender LTL Inc. in Bonnyville, visit their Facebook page.