Newsletter

To our Friends and Supporters,

January 20th, 2006, marked the fourth anniversary of the death of Alan

Joys, Medicine Hat businessman. As many of you know, shortly after he

died, the Alan Joys Memorial Fund Society was formed. Through the

generosity of Fred Kingsmill's Loan Cupboard in London, Ontario, a gift

of 5000 pounds  of medical and palliative equipment allowed us to start

up AJ's Loan Cupboard in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Through the hard work and dedication of a volunteer board, we received

society status and ultimately charitable status within the short time frame

of the following year.  In the three years that followed, AJ's has

provided a valuable service to the community, lending out medical and

palliative equipment to the residents of Medicine Hat and surrounding

area. Our motto continues:

 "If you need it and we've got it you can use it"

     with no qualifying, at no cost and for as long as it's needed

We are proud of our accomplishments:

• A free standing building which houses our equipment and is open by appointment

• A former board member who has taken over the day-to-day management of the                            Loan Cupboard

• A converted handi-bus used for pick up and delivery of our equipment

• An increasing inventory of equipment currently consisting of over

• 700  pieces resulting in up to 100  requests a month.  

Examples of our inventory are: 36 electric homecare/hospital beds,

40 wheel chairs, 21 electric-lift lounge chairs, miscellaneous items such as

 transfer benches, walkers, electric scooters, crutches, canes, commodes,

 hoyer lifts and much more including equipment in our "Kiddie Kupboard"

We have made presentations to such organizations as the Royal Canadian

Legion, Stroke Recovery, Cardiac Support, Rotary Clubs of Medicine Hat,

The Optimists, Seniors Centers and Retirement Homes and the

Ministerial  Association.

AJ's  operates on private financial donations, funding from Alberta Lotteries, 

as well as donations of new and used equipment. The Rotary Club of Medicine

Hat has sponsored two annual equipment drives encouraging the community to

pull out those items that are no longer being used. Equipment has also come

from local pharmacies, nursing homes, the hospital,  the Red Cross and

specific retailers. Cash donations are used to purchase additional equipment

as it is needed. The Medicine Hat Media has been a tremendous support in

promoting the Loan Cupboard and its activities.

Other community groups have held fundraising events for AJ's such as the

Royal Bank Tailgate Garage Sale, Nutters, Barbeque,  Meadowlands

Strawberry Tea, Rick Powers Chiropractic Professional Corporation

Cookbook as well as an increasing number of Memorial Contributions.  

Through the efforts of the community and people such as yourselves,

we have realized a dream that was started four years ago.

"We would like to thank you for having a charity that  helps

families who are going through a distressing time in their

lives. It's comforting to know that people like you take care

and pride in the services they provide. Keep up the good

work and God bless you"

                                                                                                                                a quote from a grateful family

On behalf of AJ's Loan Cupboard, we thank you for your continued support.

Jaqui Joys

President

Alan Joys Memorial Fund Society