Canes, crutches sought for Haiti quake victims

The beat goes on for Michael Ettner's passion to help Haiti earthquake victims.

The emergency department doctor at Kootenai Medical Center is spearheading a drive to collect crutches, walkers, canes, knee braces and boots that are in good condition or new for distribution to the victims.

Ettner and several other local medical professionals recently returned from treating Haitians who sustained broken bones, burns and crushing injuries.

Ettner said Haiti has become "a nation of amputees."

"There's now 30,000 more people in Haiti with amputations," he said.

Collection boxes have been placed at Super 1 Foods stores in Hayden, Post Falls, Rathdrum and Coeur d'Alene, the Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene and the Northern Idaho Advanced Care Hospital in Post Falls. Wheelchairs are not being accepted.

Donations will be accepted for the next three weeks. He said donors may choose to buy donations at thrift stores, which helps the nonprofit and Haitians at the same time.

As soon as a load is collected, the devices will be trucked for free to Miami. From there, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship will ferry at no cost the donations to a working port in Haiti. Then, the items will be distributed through medical clinics.

For more information, e-mail mettner@live.com.