Deborah Renda wiped tears from her eyes as she and husband, Matt, were on hand April 30 for the official unveiling of a new public access automated external defibrillator (AED) in downtown Minden.
The unit was donated in memory of Deborah’s parents, Don and Diane Banks.
Deborah told The Highlander her mom suffered a heart attack six years ago and lived with complications until her death a year ago. Matt’s dad also had cardiac issues.
Deborah added, as owners of Boshkung Brewing, they, “happened upon Minden. We had no intention of moving here, but I think things fall into place for a reason. My dad never got to experience this beautiful town, as he died seven years ago from cancer. My mom lived with us for six years, and she got to experience everything that this town has to offer. If we can give back in some way and have my parents’ legacy be a small part of that, that’s super special to me.”
The Rendas were joined by Minden Hills councillors and staff, EMS personnel, and members of the public at the unveiling.
Mayor Bob Carter acknowledged the Rendas’ “generous contribution.”
He said, “I actually have been present when one of these was put into use to save somebody’s life, so I know how important these units are.”
He added the downtown location, in the kiosk across from the post office, is ideal “for the health and safety of everybody in this area.”
Matt spoke to his dad having had multiple heart attacks, and the fact the Minden community is aging.
“If there is, God forbid, a heart attack in town, there’s immediate access to a lifesaving device. We hope it never gets used, but if it does, we know it will be used in a great way.”
Matt said they have the same model of AED at the brewery and they are easy to use.
EMS reminded people to ring 911 in emergencies
