Equipment Loans of the Keweenaw Helps Support Quality of Life for Copper Country Disabled Community

Thirteen years ago Equipment Loan of the Keweenaw began working with disabled members of the community to source medical equipment. Purchasing a new wheelchair or getting maintenance can add up. With the group’s years of connections and a closet with some used equipment, Equipment Loan of the Keweenaw has helped many people in the area improve their quality of life and remain valuable members of the copper country.

Custom equipment is very difficult and very time-consuming, it can take up to a year to get a single piece of equipment. So then we started this loan closet to kind of fill in the gap first, to have something to loan to people in the meantime, or instead of having to get their own equipment.” – Monica Aho, Equipment Loans of the Keweenaw

Later this week ELK will invite the community to learn more about the organization. Plus have some fun out on the ice, trying out a local favorite sport from a new perspective.

“We’re also having an auction to raise money at this event. So you can come and play but we also have a lot of really exciting things available for people to bid on to help us raise money to buy a piece of equipment one of our high schoolers needs.” – Jen Schaud, Equipment Loans of the Keweenaw

Sled Hockey with Equipment Loans of the Keweenaw the MTU Recreation is on Saturday at the John MacInnes Ice Arena on MacInnes Drive. Organizers do ask that those interested in participating please register online. The event will additionally include a 50/50 raffle and silent auction that will support ELK and their services to the disabled community. All equipment will be provided, and all ages are welcome.

Find more information about ELK here.

Sat, November 11, 2pm – 5pm

John Macinnes Student Ice Arena, Sharon Ave, Houghton, MI 49931, USA (map)

People are welcome to bring their own helmets and elbow pads/gloves if they have them. Register at mtusledhockey23.eventbrite.com.  A silent auction and 50/50 raffle during the event will raise funds for a high school adaptive athlete’s track roller.  To see what is up for bid, go to the Equipment Loans of the Keweenaw ELK Facebook page.  At 5:30 on November 11th, after the event is over, there will be a meeting for anyone interested in joining the local sled hockey team.