More than just a meal, Meals on Wheels is 50 years old!
Fifty years is a significant milestone and those 50 years have heralded many changes for Meals on Wheels, but the really important things have stayed the same.
Started by Helen Patenaude, Meals on Wheels started out with two coordinators, three volunteer drivers and six clients. The meals, prepared in the local hospital kitchen, cost $1 and were delivered three days a week. Everyone was a volunteer and organization meetings were held around a kitchen table.
In 1984, the group became a registered society and funding became available through the Ministry of Health and B.C. Gaming.
Meal costs have increased, although we do try to keep the meals affordable for our clients, many of whom are on fixed incomes. Deliveries are made five days a week. Meal providers have changed a number of times over the past 50 years, but Cypress Restaurant at Rimrock Casino has been our meal provider since 2015 and their support is generous and greatly appreciated.
The teamwork that allowed us to continue deliveries through COVID-19 was remarkable.
An elected Board of Directors volunteers to conduct the business of Meals on Wheels. Board meetings are held in the Chamber of Commerce building once a month. Two meal coordinators are now paid employees.
The important things that have remained constant for 50 years are our purpose and our volunteer drivers’ generous gifts of time and kindness.
Meals on Wheels service is available to anyone who has difficulty with meal preparation, including seniors, persons living with physical or mental disability or
recovering from illness.
Our purpose is to support the health, well-being and independence of our clients in their own homes.
Meals are delivered directly to clients in their homes, five days a week, by volunteer drivers. Our volunteers play an important role in monitoring the well-being of clients, many of whom live alone. Meal delivery becomes a social contact and clients are very appreciative of the support. It can also gives some peace of mind to a client’s family, who may live out of town. Changes in client physical or cognitive status may become apparent, allowing our coordinator to contact family.
Last year 6,889 meals were delivered to clients in Port Alberni by 24 volunteers. New volunteers are always welcome. Deliveries take about 90 minutes, one day per week. contact our Coordinator at 250-730-0390 to learn more.
We have received generous support from Cypress Restaurant, Island Health, B.C. Gaming, Alberni District Co-op, the ACRD, Alberni Community Foundation,
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 293, and private individual donations. With continued financial support and the gift of time from our volunteers, we plan to have Meals on Wheels continue in Port Alberni for many more years.
