A major donation is helping residents in Cold Lake, Bonnyville, St. Paul, and Elk Point stay mobile when they need it most.

Forty wheelchairs are now available through local health services equipment loaner programs, supporting people recovering from illness or surgery or those waiting for permanent mobility equipment.

Supporting Care Close to Home

The wheelchairs came from surplus equipment through Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) and are being distributed to long-term care centres, health sites, and community clients across the region.

“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. “Because of this support, we can provide equipment locally instead of clients having to pay out of pocket or travel to larger centres.”

Local Business Steps Up

The wheelchairs had been stored in Edmonton as part of AADL’s recycle program. When staff needed to transport them to four northern Alberta communities, they reached out to Defender LTL in Bonnyville for a delivery quote.

Instead, owners Derek and Shaylene Antoniuk offered to deliver all 40 wheelchairs at no cost.

Their generosity ensured the equipment arrived in each community within days, saving thousands of dollars and helping residents access mobility support faster.

How to Access Equipment Support

Residents looking for information about home and community care equipment loaner programs in northern Alberta can contact the Continuing Care Access Line at 1-855-371-4122.

The donation is another example of how community partnerships and local support make a real difference for people across the Lakeland.