HELP needs volunteer help

Debbie Viala is one of the volunteers at the core of the Red Cross HELP program. The program needs more people like her.

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Duncan’s Red Cross HELP program needs your help.

Canadian Red Cross Society’s Bruce Andrew’s putting the word out more volunteers are needed to sustain Cowichan’s growing Health Equipment Loan Service (HELP).

According to Andrew, 2,028 pieces of medical equipment were loaned to 1,192 people in Duncan last year.

“That’s a huge increase from previous years,” Andrew, Red Cross’s manager for community development, said.

Duncan’s program moved shop a few years ago to its new pad at #2-5855 York Road where it has plenty of room for equipment loans.

“The key thing here is it’s a program that’s expanding and it’s a huge need in the community. I would think for volunteers, it’s nice to participate with us and help out people in the community who are in need.”

The Duncan depot is one of 19 locations in the coastal region that depends on financial and volunteer support from the community to keeps its doors open, said Central Island HELP coordinator Diane Marwick.

People are needed to assist with customer service (answering phones, greeting), data entry, and equipment maintenance.

“We would really work to place people in an area that fits them best,” Andrew said.

The local branch has a wish list of another 10 more volunteers and they’re hoping to push their days open to include Fridays.

Current office hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Anyone interested can call the Duncan office at 250-748-2111 or email wzduncan@redcross.ca.