Dryden Rotarians Apprised of Meals on Wheels Growing Needs
Posted by John Borst on Dec 14, 2016
Rotarian, Kim Anderson-Fuerst, the club’s organizer of our contribution to the Dryden Meals on Wheels (MOW) program. Kim brought us up-to-date on the programs growing need as well as refreshed our memories on the way the program is delivered.
Meals on Wheels (MOW) is a service that delivers nutritious, delicious and affordable meals to individuals who are unable to purchase or prepare their own meals. Brampton was the first city in Canada to provide Meals on Wheels services in 1963 and now Meals on Wheels services are available in cities and towns across Ontario including Dryden.
Demand in Dryden has more than doubled over the past year. Whereas, in the past, we might deliver 5 - 7 meals on the weekends, we are now often delivering 14 or more. One possible reason for this increase is that the reach of the MOW has extended to Sandy Beach Road and Richan Road.As a result, we will be trying to get two volunteers for each day (Saturday & Sunday) so that each person handles about 7 homes.
MOW is also trying to find at least two persons with 4 wheel drive trucks who could be on standby to deliver meals in case of a snow storm.
A review of some basic rules:
- Do not bring back any garbage from any home that you visit;
- If there is no one home or you get no response, let the hospital know when you return the trays;
- Meals are to be picked up at 4 PM at the hospital - Patricia Gardens is in charge of arranging volunteers;
- Go to 330 Van Horne first.
If you wish to deliver and do not have a criminal record check on file, please talk to Kim. If you have not already volunteered, a sign-up sheet is going around for 2017.