"The first thing we want people to know and to feel is that we care and that we want to help."

Walk through the doors of the Medi Lend Society on 50th Avenue in Wetaskiwin, and you’re sure to get a warm greeting from one of the organization’s friendly, knowledgeable volunteers.

“The first thing we want people to know and to feel is that we care and that we want to help,” says Diane Sauer, chair of Medi Lend. 

Back in 2016, when the small city’s home care services faced challenges with provisioning and managing medical equipment, it looked like residents may have to travel to Edmonton or Red Deer to get the short-term loans they needed. That is, until a small group of community members stepped up with a homegrown solution. 

“It became very clear as we talked to our community members that it was important for this service to be available here,” says Diane. “We knew that if people had the equipment they needed to be safe and comfortable – whether it’s a walker, a bathtub bar or a bath seat – that it would make a difference to their quality of life.”

So they formed the Medi Lend Society, a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization to provide short-term loans of medical equipment free of charge to residents of the County and City of Wetaskiwin, the Town of Millet and surrounding areas.

In 2020 alone, Medi Lend’s volunteers dedicated more than 2,600 hours to serving clients of all ages – some recovering from surgery or injuries and others who are aging and need equipment to adapt their homes to meet their changing circumstances. 

A number of Medi Lend’s volunteers come from medical backgrounds, like Diane, a retired home care nurse, while others have cared for aging parents or partners. While volunteers come from all walks of life, says Diane, they have a lot in common. 

"Our volunteers are all very caring and capable people who have wonderful skills. They are proud of what we do at Medi Lend, take great pleasure in providing this service for our community and are committed to making a difference.”

And there is certainly no question that they make a difference. 

“When we’re able to provide the equipment someone needs, and we are also able to make them feel like someone was there to listen to their concerns – that means a lot. It’s really special,” says Diane.