VOLUNTEER

Volunteer

The need has never been greater

The impact of COVID-19 has left Meals on Wheels organizations in greater need of volunteers than ever before. Consider giving your time to this incredible cause today.

Why Volunteer?

A Growing Demand

“…the number of Meals on Wheels clients in Ontario has increased 60 per cent from the previous year. It’s one of the most in-demand programs now in communities across the province.”

Deborah Simon, CEO of Ontario Community Support Association

An Urgently Needed Service

“Despite the supports that are available, there are many seniors who are barely crossing the poverty line.”

Deborah Simon

Preventative Health Care

“By providing a nutritious hot or frozen meal up to seven days a week, we are preventing people from becoming malnourished, and therefore preventing someone from having a fracture because they are weak, or not thinking straight due to not getting the nutrients that they need.”

Shannan Ketchabaw, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels provider Sudbury Meals

Quotes are from the article “Demand for Meals on Wheels—and the drivers who make it possible—is soaring” by Nathan Sing who spoke to Deborah Simon and Shannan Ketchabaw on the staggering demand for low-barrier food delivery services and why nutritious food should be treated as preventative health care.

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What to Expect

What will I be doing when I volunteer?

The most common volunteer job is delivering meals and friendly greetings to homebound seniors. Most typically, this involves picking up meals at a central location and delivering them along a pre-determined route directly to the homes of several seniors in your area. Once you’re done, you return the delivery packaging items and get back on your way.
How often will I be expected to volunteer?

We can set up a volunteer schedule that works with yours. Whether that be once a week, once a month or as needed, just mention your preferences when you connect with your local program. Local programs typically aim to provide volunteer opportunities that fit within a lunch break of up to an hour and a half.
Do I need a car?

In most locations volunteers who deliver meals will drive their own cars. However, in some urban settings, delivery routes can be covered on foot or by using mass transit. Please ask your local Meals on Wheels program about transportation when you are setting up your volunteer assignments.