Estevan Diversified Services was the happy recipient of a new defibrillator unit last week.
Presenting the group with the new potentially life-saving machine were representatives from the local Kinsmen Club, a group that has made it partly their mission to distribute defibrillators to places where they are needed around the community.
Byron Stepp, Kinsmen member, noted they have now donated six units to various places around the area and the machines sell for about $3,000 each.
"Our mandate is serving the community's greatest need, and we consider this a huge need," said Stepp. "We're also very closely tied to Estevan Diversified Services, which was formerly known as the Work Kin Shop, and the word kin was in there for a reason."
The Kinsmen meet in the building themselves and they use the coffee room for their meetings.
"We kind of had a moment there where we had given away five of these things already," noted Stepp, and just a couple of weeks ago he was surprised to learn EDS was not equipped with a defibrillator yet.
When meeting recently with Roberta DeRosier, program co-ordinator at EDS, she let him know they were lacking and would be interested in a unit.
"It was unanimous among the club members to let's get this done. I think within eight days it was here ready for presentation," said Stepp.
The new defibrillator will be housed in the SARCAN building. DeRosier said the staff is excited to have that machine available to them in emergencies.
"It's huge. It's a life-saving device. We actually had a gentleman here who had a heart attack about three years ago. Who knows when the next one is going to be? It's invaluable to have that here," said DeRosier, noting the defibrillator is a great addition on site for both employees and clients.
"There's a huge need here," added Stepp, who noted the club has previously donated to a number of schools in the city. "Next year, (we will donate one) to wherever it's needed. Obviously, if there's a need and it fits the mandate of the club, let us know."
DeRosier said there are several people on staff who have received their first-aid training. Part of that certification requires users to be trained on defibrillators.
"It's an incredible gift, and it has the potential to be a huge gift," she said.
Kinsmen raise money in order to supply others with goods and funds throughout the year and the donation of defibrillators is just one of their projects.
"What we do to raise money for this is our Kinsmen Christmas Tree, our Dream Vacation Lottery and our Kinsmen Golf Tournament, which is coming up here right away," Stepp said. "It's just community things here, there and everywhere."
