When my husband Alan and I made the decision for him to stay at home during the final stages of his life, we found we needed equipment that was very difficult to come by on short notice. Fortunately, a lending program started by Fred Kingsmill, in London, Ontario provided equipment for palliative and medical use with no qualifying, no delays and no cost. It allowed us to spend those last days together in the comfort of our home.

When my husband died in January 2002, I established the Alan Joys Memorial Fund Society in his former hometown of Medicine Hat. 5000 lbs of medical equipment was donated by Fred Kingsmill and his Masonic Lodge to kick start AJ’s Loan Cupboard.

Four years later, with the support of a board of volunteers and 300 pieces of equipment from David Thompson Homecare, The Lending Cupboard opened its doors in Red Deer, offering medical equipment to the residents of Central Alberta and beyond.

- Jaqui Joys, Founder

Today ...

Who ever thought we'd grow so quickly. After four years, we are now seeing more than 600 clients a month. We have inventoried approximately 7000 pieces of equipment. Of that equipment, 80% is out at any given time, not only in Red Deer but throughout Central Alberta.

We have expanded our facilities and offer equipment in four different categories:

• General equipment which is available for all our clients
• TJA which provides equipment for hip and knee surgeries done in Red Deer
• Kiddie Kupboard providing for infants, children and youth
• Bariatric equipment with a weight capacity of 300 lbs. and up

With our staff and volunteers, we continue to serve the people of Red Deer and Central Alberta.

A sincere thanks for the generosity of the community, our clients and donors. A special thanks to the media who have helped to promote The Lending Cupboard.

And don't forget our staff. These are the people who provide the day to day continuity of the operation of The Lending Cupboard as well as maintaining the accountability that allows The Lending Cupboard to seek the Fundraising that we need to continue to provide this service to the community.