Over Christmas, Linda Eberle approached the Shuswap Makerspace with a problem that required some innovation, engineering, and community spirit. Linda is a volunteer tasked with coordinating the equipment room at the Sorrento & District Hospice Society. One piece of equipment in particular, a seat for people to use in the shower to help them bathe, had become broken after repeated use.

Visiting the Makerspace for the first time, Linda was impressed to see that this colourful building was full of people who love solving problems and finding innovative solutions with new technology. The Shuswap Makerspace volunteer members group worked together to find a solution to fix the device and get to the root of the problem.

Turns out, a small plastic bracket had broken off that allowed the seat to open and slide into position. The multi-disciplinary makers figured they could use 3D printing technology to create a replacement part, but they knew the problem would persist and would break down again. Instead, they designed a better bracket, that would hold more securely and require less plastic.

Within a couple of weeks, the part was finished, the shower seat was repaired, and Linda came to retrieve her newly fixed shower seat. Needless to say, she was thrilled with the results! Keeping plastic and metal out of the landfill, saving money for the Sorrento Hospice Society, and ensuring patient safety were all vital in the success of this project

The Shuswap Makerspace is a community hub for innovative problem solving, learning and creativity. This regional centre offers training, memberships and volunteer opportunities to the community at large. If you would like to see what happens at the Shuswap Makerspace, you can visit the space at 220 Shuswap St NE in downtown Salmon Arm, by phone at 250-833-0608, or online at www.innovatesa.ca.