December 28, 2012
Story by Kerri Robins; photo by Colleen Sekura
The good citizens in Drayton Valley and Breton community have been putting their old technology to re-use for a few years now and it’s paid off.
As part of a recycling program that started with old printer ink cartridges by the Drayton Valley Health Services Foundation, items are recycled and pull double duty by morphing into much-needed health care equipment.
“The recycling program has helped us fund sit-to-stand lifts for long-term care centres in both Drayton Valley and Breton communities,” says Colleen Sekura, Fund Development Officer for the foundation. “The lifts help transfer residents more comfortably, making it an easier experience for both resident and staff member.”
Joyce Thatcher, daughter of a former long-term care resident, agrees.
“The sit-to-stand lift was easier on my late mother’s back, which was full of arthritis and very painful when she moved,” says Thatcher.
“I think some of her dignity while she was alive was restored.”
Recyclables have also funded a transport wheelchair for Community Health that gets loaned out to patients in Drayton Valley and area on a short-term basis.
“Money from the recycling depot is deposited into a common fund that contributes to patient care at the Drayton Valley and Breton Health Care Centres,” says Sekura. “The community has been outstanding in making our program a real success.”
The depot hasn’t seen much downtime over its four years. While it had humble beginnings with just ink cartridges from local businesses, it has grown to accept other “relics” like old cellphones, laptops and digital cameras.
“Collecting ink cartridges once a week from local businesses keeps up good business relations and keeps us top of mind, not to mention the reduction on our environmental footprint,” says Sekura.
Extending the shelf life of that old hardware is easy. Citizens can either drop off or call for monthly pickup. And small recyclables can be mailed through Alberta Health Services interoffice mail.
For more information, please visit www.dvhealthfound.ca, or call 780-621-4914.
