Photo:A group gathered March 8 at Extendicare Port Hope as part of the month-long county-wide March For Meals initiative by Community Care Northumberland designed to bring awareness to the local Meals On Wheels programs (and the need for volunteers to make them happen). Seen here (from left) are Community Care driver Jack Pearson, Community Care Meals On Wheels volunteer Michael Stevens, Port Hope Deputy Mayor Les Andrews, Community Care program co-ordinator Sheri Birney and Community Care Meals On Wheels volunteer Tim Kwan.
Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
The month-long county-wide March for Meals initiative run by Community Care Northumberland moved into the Port Hope area on March 8, with the help of Deputy Mayor Les Andrews.
By involving municipal councillors in each community in an actual day’s Meals On Wheels pick-up and delivery – as many agencies across North America are doing – Community Care Northumberland is hoping to promote the program to the public, as well as to stress the need for volunteers to assist in carrying it out.
In Port Hope, Deputy Mayor Les Anderson joined volunteers March 8 in lending a hand to get the hot meals to clients on time.
The Community Care Northumberland press release cited research that shows healthy eating provides essential energy and nutrients for general welfare and maintenance of health and functional autonomy. It also reduces the risk of chronic diseases at older ages.
“The Meals on Wheels program provides access to well-balance, affordable meals that are imperative to the independence and sustenance of isolated seniors and individuals with disabilities,” Community Care executive director Trish Baird said in the release.
“We are hoping this initiative with help bring awareness about this program being available in the Municipality of Port Hope, and also our need for additional Meals on Wheels volunteers.”
In Port Hope, volunteers pick up the hot prepared Meals on Wheels insulated bags at Extendicare (located on Rose Glen Road) and deliver them to clients on a pre-planned route during the noon hour, with all stops taking no longer than one hour in total. When the route is completed, the volunteers return the bags to Extendicare.
Last year, with the help of local volunteers, more than 2,600 hot and frozen meals were delivered throughout the Port Hope area.
Baird extended her thanks to Andrews for his help.
“His involvement will help us raise the profile of this program and our need for Meals on Wheels volunteers in the Port Hope,” she added.
March For Meals events continue to take place throughout Northumberland during the month – in Cobourg March 13 and 22, in Campbellford March 15, in Grafton March 19, in Brighton March 21, in Hastings March 27, and in Colborne March 28.
For additional program information about Meals on Wheels, visit www.commcare.ca/mow.html.
To volunteer as a Meal on Wheels driver, contact the Community Care Port Hope office at 905-885-9860 or by e-mail at porthope@commcare.ca.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
