More drivers’ needed for Meals on Wheels
Amy Gregson – Times Reporter
For two weeks out of the entire year, Ron and Mary Milton pick up 10 meals from the Strathmore General Hospital and deliver them to those in the community as drivers for Meals on Wheels.
The service is currently seeking additional drivers to volunteer and keep the service going in Strathmore.
“There’s no reason people couldn’t volunteer an hour and a half one week,” said Mary. “You get to see so many different people and they really appreciate you.” While dropping off three meals to a senior complex in town you can tell how the seniors not only appreciate the daily meal, but also the interaction the volunteers have with them.
“It’s really nice to know that somebody is going to come once a day. A lot of us are alone,” said Joanne McNichol, whose lives alone, but has family in Calgary.
McNichol said the meals are fantastic and are so large that she eats a portion of it for the lunch the following day usually.
“If I had to make all that stuff [the dinner], I couldn’t do it,” said McNichol.
Meals on Wheels are in such need of volunteers that people have doubled up on the expected volunteer time, currently just one week every six months.
“Some of my drivers are seniors and have health problems, so I’ve had a few quit this year,” said Shirley Minty, organizer of Meals on Wheels. “It’s hard.”
Volunteers are required to pick up the meals from the hospital Monday to Friday at 4:30 for one week every six months. A map is also left with the food so volunteers know where to go.
Each meal comes in a separate carrying container, which has disposable containers inside.
You do need some strength to carry the containers and be able to walk on your own to be a volunteer.
When a volunteer goes to a persons house, they leave the food containers on their table or somewhere else if previous arrangements have been decided.
After the 10 meals are delivered, the carrying containers must be returned to the hospital.
All deliveries are within the town limits and it takes about 60 to 90 minutes a day.
Most of the people who receive the meals are either senior or handicapped.
“You get satisfaction out of helping somebody,” said Minty. “Everyone you deliver to is so grateful and thankful.”
To volunteer for Meals on Wheels or for more information call Minty at 403-934-3983.
amy@strathmoretimes.com