When the Pregnancy Resource Center of Charlotte upgraded its ultrasound technology, it gave the former equipment to Restore Global, certain that the two donated machines would find an appropriate home. A logical place to send the still useful gear would be to a developing country with an urgent need. Steven Wray, Restore Global’s founder, had a different, more community-based idea. He offered the ultrasound equipment to, of all places, the Humane Society of Charlotte.
According to Donna Stucker, VP of Development for the Humane Society of Charlotte, they hadn’t even communicated their desire for such equipment to Restore Global. Steven, who has an unconventional way of connecting dots felt there was probably a need by their veterinary staff for this kind of diagnostic tool. So, he initiated the transfer. Even though the equipment was deemed out of date for human needs, it was still valuable for Dr. Stephanie Lee, who is now able to diagnose basic conditions onsite, quickly, which is a boon for the animals and her. “This equipment allows me to check for everything from pregnancy to kidney stones and bladder infections,” she explained. Having the equipment means she can often find a definitive answer as to why an animal is having a problem. A faster diagnosis means less suffering for the animal and quicker resolution for the owner. “Having the equipment gives us added assurance and confidence in our diagnoses,” she says. “Without it, I’d have to send the client to see her primary care practitioner, which is added stress on the pet and the client,” not to mention the cost of off-site X-rays and ultrasounds.
The Humane Society of Charlotte accepts about 3,000 dogs and cats each year with the goal of finding them permanent homes. They don’t euthanize unless a medical or severe behavioral condition warrants. The amount of time, patience, and love that is shown to each animal is impressive. An even larger, equally notable number is the amount of spay and neuter services they provide in a year: an astounding 13,290. The ultrasound equipment is sometimes used in these surgeries.
Restore Global’s uncanny ability to pair a nonprofit’s need with corporate excess is one of its unique signatures through Access to Excess. Steven says that as a nonprofit serving other nonprofits, he’s been compared to Robin Hood. “Except for the tights,” he jokes. Providing nonprofits with everything from medical equipment to paper goods helps relieve some of the administrative burdens that can distract nonprofits from their missions. “We help nonprofits not just do good, we help them do better,” he says.