A hot meal can mean not only nourishment for the body but also nourishment for the soul.
When Meals on Wheel's volunteers deliver a meal to clients in Nanaimo and Lantzville, the driver's smiling face may be the only contact that person has during the day, said Sharon Brown, president of Nanaimo Meals on Wheels.
“Drivers get attached to their route and it is so rewarding,” said Brown. “It's a hot meal and a smile.”
The organization is desperately seeking drivers to help deliver meals to clients in Nanaimo and Lantzville. Brown said that in the summer, many of the drivers go away on vacation so several routes need to be covered, but drivers are needed year-round.
Brown said that since the organization started delivering meals 40 years ago the routes have just kept expanding.
“It's just an hour commitment,” said Brown, adding that Meals on Wheels tries to match drivers to the routes in the areas they live in to make it easier. All volunteers need is a valid driver's licence and to attend an orientation session. Drivers receive a mileage stipend of 50 cents per kilometre. Brown said volunteers often donate that money back to the organization and received a tax receipt.
Meals on Wheels partnered with the Kiwanis Lodge to provide food for people who are unable to cook for themselves on an ongoing or short-term basis. The meals are delivered hot and clients can receive food for up to seven days, including statutory holidays. To receive a Sunday meal people must order two meals for Saturday. Each meal is $5.50.
To volunteer, please call 250-753-1300.