JASON SETNYK
Cornwall’s Meals on Wheels program is sounding the alarm over a growing volunteer shortage that has already forced cuts to its hot meal deliveries for local seniors. The service, which provides nutritious meals and a vital daily check-in for vulnerable residents, has lost about 80 volunteers since the pandemic and has not been able to recover.
“We are currently operating with approximately 120 volunteers,” said Meals on Wheels coordinator Andree-Anne Morin. “We cut the first route in 2024 and the second route was cut a month ago. This reduces our capacity by 40 clients at any given time on the hot meal program.”
To partially offset the cuts, the program is increasingly relying on frozen meal deliveries, which allow staff to deliver more meals at once with fewer drivers. But with winter approaching and demand expected to rise, Morin said an additional 60 volunteers are needed to restore previous service levels and prevent a growing waitlist of seniors from going without hot meals and social contact.
New volunteers must complete an application and a vulnerable sector police check before starting. Schedules are flexible, from once a month to weekly, and seasonal volunteers are welcome. Volunteers use their own vehicles and receive mileage reimbursement.
Morin is urging individuals, couples, workplaces, and community groups to consider helping. Those interested in volunteering can contact her at 613-933-3384 ext. 4263 or amorin@cornwall.ca for more information.
L’article Meals on Wheels needs more volunteers est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
