Because of You, Olga Got Her Independence Back

Thanks to your generosity, people in our community—like Olga—can live more safely and independently in their own homes.

Olga lives with severe arthritis in both knees and deals with constant joint pain, which makes walking and standing a daily challenge. Before receiving help, simple tasks like doing laundry or getting groceries were exhausting and risky. “Before I got the walker, I just had my cane. It was very hard to get groceries and do laundry,” she shared.

But everything changed when Olga was connected with the My Health Team at ACCESS Fort Garry. My Health Teams are teams of care providers in our communities that work with clients to provide them with the healthcare they need, when they need it. Thanks to you, Olga was able to receive the help she needed through the ACCESS Fort Garry Client Care Fund. This fund helps to address urgent needs for individuals like Olga. After a personal assessment, the team helped her create a plan that included a walker and a bath seat—two items that immediately improved her safety and quality of life. “Now I have handles to hold onto and a seat—it’s much better,” she said, describing how the bath seat gave her the ability to safely shower again after months of sponge baths.

Before the walker, even a trip to the grocery store meant borrowing a cart and pushing it home just to unload, then returning it. Now, everyday tasks are manageable—and more importantly, safe. “I have more independence now. I was able to get my life back.”

Olga wouldn’t have been able to afford these items on her own, but your support made it possible. With tears in her eyes, she offered this message to you: “I am very, very grateful. To all the people, all the workers—from the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

Your kindness gave Olga more than just equipment—you gave her dignity, independence, and peace of mind. Thank you for continuing to change lives in our community. Small things really do make a big difference.