Hearts for Healthcare funds bariatric wheelchair for hospital

Image submitted, Alberta Health Sevices. Kari Leiper, Executive Director (far left), and Lynne Colaris, Board Director with Hearts for Healthcare (far right), joins 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, Candice Stewart — in celebrating the arrival of a new bariatric wheelchair. The wheelchair was funded through community donations.

Hearts for Healthcare has again supported Cold Lake healthcare with a new piece of equipment to support rehabilitation.

A second bariatric wheelchair has been acquired and donated with $4,300 from Hearts for Healthcare, which is part of donations the group has gathered from community events, like their annual gala, Mega Bounce Run, Sparkle in the Park and the Tim Hortons’ Smile Cookie campaign. 

“As an organization we take a holistic 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,” said Kari Leiper, Executive Director, Hearts for Healthcare, in a press release.  

“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.” 

Available for long-term care and community members, the new bariatric wheelchair and accompanying cushion will provide individuals with enhanced support, stability and comfort and are specially designed for higher weight capacities, AHS says. 

Sharon Winik, Area Manager, Allied Health Services, Area 8 with Alberta Health Services, says its a beneficial add. 

“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,” Winik said in the release.   

AHS gave props to Cold Lakers for supporting Hearts for Healthcare and their initiatives.

The annual gala is widely and quickly supported. This year’s is scheduled for May 4.

“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.”