Meals on Wheels volunteers delivered 5,935 meals to 93 individuals in the Alberni Valley in 2024. Who are these people? Where do they live? Why do they need this service?
Seniors and others of all ages, many living with varying degrees of physical and sometimes mental disability, make up our client roster. Mobility limitations, convalescence from illness or surgery, limited vision and mental wellness issues can all impact one’s ability to shop, prepare and cook a nutritious meal.
Volunteers deliver hot meals prepared locally at Cypress Restaurant, from Tuesday through Saturday. Meals are delivered from Cameron Heights to the Old Nanaimo Highway, from the top of Burde Street to the foot of Argyle Street, and many areas in Beaver Creek and Cherry Creek; drivers deliver hot meals and check in with each client.
With a quick chat and a smile from our drivers, these few minutes serve as a wellness check. If something is irregular, the driver will contact our Meals Coordinator who, in turn, is able to contact a family member, an emergency contact or if necessary, RCMP.
Deliveries are made to houses, apartments, basement suites, trailer parks and for one short time, to a car serving as a temporary home. Supporting clients to enable them to remain in their own homes and to live with dignity are important qualities of the Meals on Wheels program.
One client recently relocated to a local Assisted Living facility; however, he found that he was not ready for that lifestyle change and returned to his home Meals on Wheels delivery.
Many of our referrals come from family members concerned about safety regarding cooking or nutrition.
Thankfully, most of our clients have secure housing – many living with other community supports but all requiring a helping hand, not a handout. Our meals are provided at a nominal cost to clients thanks to the generous support of the Coulson Group and management at Rimrock Casino. Meals on Wheels are grateful for this local support.
Of course, no charitable organization exists without strong community support and Wholesome Meals on Wheels is no exception. We can never adequately express our gratitude for the local assistance we receive from Alberni Co-op, ACRD, Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 293, Alberni Valley Foundation Investment Fund, Community Prosperity Fund, Island Health, CUPE local 118, Sunshine Quilters, Girl Guides of Canada Trefoil Guild, Music by Darren (Quality Foods, Save-On-Foods, Alberni Brewing Company, Twin Brewing, Coombs Country Candy, Pizza Hut, Capelli's, Jamie Donovan and Next Level, all contributing to our music trivia fundraiser) and other individual donors whom wish to remain anonymous.
We are easy to find. Community Care refers clients to Meals on Wheels and we keep program information available in doctor’s offices and clinics. Our contact information is posted on public bulletin boards in local shops and stores.
Volunteers are the heart and soul of Meals on Wheels and we welcome any and all queries about joining our organization.
Visit our website at www.portalbernimealsonwheels.com, e-mail us at portalbernimealsonwheels@gmail.com or call 250-730-0426 for more information.
