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What it means to be a HELP Volunteer

Written by Courtney Wilson, Canadian Red Cross volunteer

The Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) provides Canadians with short-term loans of medical equipment on a donation basis. The program heavily relies on its many dedicated volunteers to aid in the smooth delivery of equipment loans to people in need of these services. One of these enthusiastic volunteers, Graeme Belyea, discusses his time volunteering with the HELP program and why he believes it is such a great cause.

Graeme started volunteering for HELP in early December at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre. His decision to join the Canadian Red Cross volunteer team came after he visited the depot with his mother. She was using HELP’s services after undergoing hip replacement surgery.

Having just finished his exams, Graeme thought that he would have some time over the holidays to start volunteering.

"I understood the Red Cross to be a highly respectable organization, since it has done so much for millions of people all over the world," Graeme says.

In his first few weeks with the program, Graeme has started to learn how to use the computer systems and how to take care of inventory. Not only does he enjoy the work he does, but he also has a high level of respect for all of the other volunteers and employees that he works with.

Graeme believes that HELP is a critical Red Cross program. He says that the volunteers and employees work hard to make the program a success. "With the number of people having hip and knee surgeries on the rise, I can only imagine that the need for HELP will only increase over the years," he says.

Volunteering for HELP has not only taught Graeme a lot about himself, but also how to interact with customers on a professional level. Personally, Graeme says that HELP has been crucial to his mother’s recuperation and recovery.

"Seeing how much my mom needs this equipment every day, and for the months to come as she recovers, just proves to me once more how important HELP is," Graeme explains.

HELP offers comfort for those who use its services. The equipment loaned aids in day-to-day living and mobility. Without volunteers like Graeme, the program would not be what it is today. The Canadian Red Cross would like to thank all of the dedicated HELP volunteers for everything they do to make the program a success.

For more information on HELP, or how to get involved, click here or contact your local HELP depot.

Posted:  January 9, 2013