Editor, The Times:
For 50 years, the Red Cross has helped people to get back on their feet by loaning out health equipment through its HELP depots. In 2003, after the Barriere fire, Celine Calfa of the Red Cross, together with local Clearwater citizens, founded the Clearwater Red Cross HELP Depot. It was originally located in our hospital and is now located in the old ICBC building at 132 Station Road.
The Red Cross has funded this organization in our town since 2003, as we have been unable to fund it ourselves.
In order to continue operations in Clearwater, we are trying to increase our funding through local donations.
We are a full volunteer depot. Our funding comes solely from local donations.
Until recently, we had been sending our donations in to the Red Cross, only to find out that in order to be considered a donation towards our depot, the donation needs to have “For Clearwater HELP” written on it, usually in the memo section of a cheque.
The purpose of our depot is to loan out medical equipment, free of charge, to people in the community. Donations are appreciated.
The equipment loans are short term, three to six months, but can be extended.
On Thursday, Nov. 5, the volunteers of the Clearwater Red Cross HELP Depot will be holding a Music Night, sponsored by the North Thompson Music Guild.
It will be located at the Dutch Lake Community Centre; in the gym. The concert will run from 7 to 9 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
Admission will be by donation. Refreshments will be also by donation.
All proceeds from this venue will be donated to the Clearwater Red Cross HELP Depot.
We are hoping for the continued support of our community so that we may continue to keep our Depot open.
Barb Hall, team leader/volunteer
Clearwater HELP Depot