Community
Lending Cupboard Releases It’s Community Needs Assessment
By Sheldon Spackman
The Lending Cupboard in Red Deer shared results of it’s Community Needs Assessment with Central Albertans on Tuesday and it shows a growing need for their services. Those services include the lending of medical equipment, free of charge to those who need it.
With the purpose of gathering information that can assist the organization in making evidence-based decisions in its planning and strategies, the report has many key findings in numerous areas.
It’s expected roughly 20 percent of Albertans will be over the age of 65 by 2036, with 8 out of 10 living in the QE2 Corridor by 2041. Presently, Wetaskiwin, Stettler, Olds and Ponoka all have Seniors populations of roughly 20 percent.
Other highlights indicate Alberta’s Cost of Living is amongst the highest in Canada, with current economic conditions driving more people into poverty and putting their health at risk. The report also says people living in rural areas have additional barriers and challenges to accessing health services and supports.
The Lending Cupboard’s Community Needs Assessment also shows that the increased urbanization of First Nations people, in addition to a reported rise in chronic health conditions within this group, will impact the demand for equipment from the Lending Cupboard. It’s also anticipated the Hutterite population will continue to be a strong user group, with increased immigrant populations expected to become more aware of the Lending Cupboard in the coming years as well, to impact demand on Lending Cupboard services for the foreseeable future.
Economic uncertainty and instability is still expected for the next year, though some economic rebound is anticipated in 2017. However, low oil prices will impact overall prosperity and growth for the next five to ten years. Multi-generational changes in the workforce may impact local donations and volunteerism as well and government funding opportunities and corporate sponsorships may also be less available in the short-term but community giving remaining strong.
On the healthcare side of things, despite medical advances, the report says nearly all the diseases, disorders and health conditions pertinent to the Lending Cupboard are on the rise. The aging population is potentially the most important matter as it relates to the future of the Lending Cupboard as the seniors age group will continue to grow over the next 20 years. Orthopedic surgeries are the most prevalent in this growing age group, with falls an increasing issue amongst seniors. Seniors who live alone are also more common in rural areas of Central Alberta where support services may not be as readily available. This as the number of injuries and accidents in Alberta increases each year.
The Community Needs Assessment also reveals that hospital stays after surgery are getting shorter as the Home Care program in the province continues to grow. This area of AHS does not provide funding to the Lending Cupboard despite Home Care being one of the highest points of referral for the organization. The CNA also reveals increased unemployment has affected extended health benefits and as such, physiotherapy patients are waiting for the hospital physio clinic, rather than utilizing private physio clinics. This has increased wait times for physio and means that people will likely be relying on mobility and daily living aids for longer periods of time.
The Lending Cupboard’s Community Needs Assessment expects the organization’s ten-fold growth seen in it’s first ten years of existence, to double over the next ten years. This means it’s priorities going forward include obtaining a larger facility, improved systemization and efficiencies, extended hours of operation, increased staff hours, volunteer attraction and training, partnerships with the community, advocacy to government, build independent regional capacity and substantially increase community support.
Community
100+ Women Who Care Red Deer celebrates 10th season in 2025 with new leadership
L to R: Cindy Jefferies, Susan Knopp, Lane Tomalty, Bre Fitzpatrick
Photo credit: The SnapHappy Photographer
After a decade of leadership under Cindy Jefferies and Susan Knopp, 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer (100+ WWCRD) is proud to celebrate 10 years of supporting local charities and the announcement of Bre Fitzpatrick and Lane Tomalty as its new co-leaders. This marks an exciting new chapter for the group, which has made a significant impact on not-for-profit organizations in Central Alberta.
Cindy and Susan have led 100+ WWCRD with vision, dedication, and a commitment to empowering women to lead and inspire change. Under their stewardship, the organization has raised over $630,000 for local charities by hosting 4 annual 1-hour meetings. Since 2015, more than 36 local charities have received funding through the group.
Reflecting on their tenure, Cindy and Susan stated:
“Leading 100 Women has been an honour and a privilege. When we began this journey, we didn’t know where it would go – we simply loved the simple, elegant, and fun ‘100 Who Care’ concept and thought it was a great fit for our community. We are grateful to the many women who have stood with us. They are the magic of the organization! We are confident Bre and Lane will steward this leadership role well and we look forward to supporting it – just not from behind the microphone!”
Bre and Lane bring a dynamic energy and fresh perspective to the organization. Both have been involved with the group and have been mentored by Susan and Cindy over the past year. They are eager to continue the collaboration, connection, and local support this team of women have established in Red Deer.
In their joint statement, Bre and Lane shared:
“We are humbled to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Cindy and Susan have laid. Many needs are at the doorstep of our community and in the hearts and minds of our members. We know a powerful, caring, and united group of individuals can play a huge role in driving change and breaking barriers.
To celebrate this milestone and leadership transition, the 100+ WWCRD hosted the final meeting of 2024 on November 25th at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. The evening featured reflections from Cindy and Susan, the selection of the Salvation Army as the charity of choice, an opportunity for members to connect with Bre and Lane as they outline their vision for the organization’s next chapter, and a toast to 10 years.
For more information, please visit www.100womenreddeer.ca
About 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer
100+ Women Who Care Red Deer is a network of compassionate, empowered, and dedicated women who make a direct, immediate, and positive impact in Red Deer and area. We support local non-profit and charitable organizations that work every day to make our community a better place to live. 100% of funds donated go to the selected charities – there are no
administration fees, and all costs are covered by the generosity of sponsors. Collectively, we make a difference.
The group meets 4 times annually for 1 hour. Non-profit and charitable organizations are nominated by members. After hearing 3 randomly drawn pitches, the members vote to select their top choice. The group with the highest number of votes receives the members’ donations. Each member or team commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Since 2015, the average raised has been more than $15,000 per meeting.
Membership is open to all women In Red Deer and area. We invite you to join us! The first meeting of 2025 will be on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Founded in February 2015, the organization currently has about 150 members. We are committed to uniting this powerful group of 100+ women who care and lifting the amazing non-profits and charitable groups they support.
Community
Festival of Trees tickets on sale! Update from the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation
Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
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