West Neighbourhood House is deeply grateful to our volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise to supporting the community. This month, we would like to highlight Frank and Ruth, who generously give their time to delivering meals for the Meals on Wheels program.
The Meals on Wheels program at the House relies on volunteers to deliver healthy meals to community members. Runners, in partnership with a driver, and cyclists, deliver hot and frozen packaged meals along a planned route directly to the homes of program participants.
Frank has been a volunteer runner with Meals on Wheels since 2015. “I heard about Meals on Wheels. I thought that was great, being in the community service work and seeing people on a regular basis,” he says.
“Personally, volunteering checks a few boxes for me. I love helping people. It’s close to where I live too. It allows me to do what I love doing.”
“I love people. I love working with people. I love helping people. I’m a helper,” he says.
Volunteers engage in conversation with the participant to help ensure they are safe and well. “I learn about how their day is going. And, how they feel about the service. Seeing how they look in the picture.”
Frank says he has developed a connection with some of the participants over time, who have become used to him knocking on their door. “I have had clients the first time I came, just opened their doors a bit, just enough for me to hand over the food. Eventually, they swing their doors open and ask how I am doing.”
Promoting Active Living and Supporting Seniors Age in Place
At Meals on Wheels, we are dedicated to promoting active living and helping seniors age in place by providing essential services and fostering community connections.
As most of the participants are seniors or those living with disabilities, the Meals on Wheels program provides healthy meals directly to their front door six days a week. This service helps clients live independently in their own homes for as long as possible while also promoting connection, reducing social isolation, and encouraging active living.
Ruth, a dedicated volunteer runner for five years, also occasionally delivers meals as a cyclist. She believes that volunteering for Meals on Wheels is about more than just delivering meals. “The most important thing is making sure people who are isolated get help,” she says.
Ruth shared a touching story about a bedridden woman who is very isolated. “We deliver frozen meals to her since she doesn’t have any family around,” Ruth explains. “Some clients are more vulnerable, so you want to take the time and get to know them a little more,” she says.
There are individuals in the community that require a higher level of care. “It feels good to hand out healthy meals. It’s nice to feel useful”, Ruth shares.
“You are also the eyes and ears of the community. Putting on a friendly face is important because for some people, you might be the only person they see the whole day. When you are a volunteer, people know that you are doing it from the heart.”
We are incredibly grateful for volunteers like Frank and Ruth, whose continued support makes a significant difference in our community.
The Meals on Wheels program is currently looking for more volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a driver or runner, please visit our volunteer page for more information and to apply.