Many of us have heard the term Meals on Wheels and understand the gist of what it entails, but the Canadian Red Cross program offers more than you might expect.
On a recent ride-along with a volunteer delivery driver, I was able to briefly meet some of the recipients of the Meals on Wheels program offered by the Canadian Red Cross in Etobicoke, a suburb of Toronto. All were seniors living independently in homes and apartment buildings, all were happy to see me arrive with their hot meal, and all thanked me or shook my hand before I left. Up to that point, it was exactly as I had imagined. Then, I met Patricia.
Patricia agreed to meet me after lunch at her home so that I could interview her about the program. She and her husband live in a quaint bungalow in the north end of Etobicoke. Both are retired and grandparents to eight grandchildren. Patricia is in her early seventies and has recently become bedridden due to health problems. When I met with Patricia we chatted in a little room at the back of the house. The room is set up with a hospital bed and she has things set out around her for easy access because she can no longer get up and around on her own.
Before her health problems began, Patricia was an active grandmother who spent her time helping out with the grandchildren. She also did all of the cooking for herself and her husband. “That’s changed now,” said Patricia. “He’s never been a cook and has had to adjust to making breakfast and dinner. He asks me what to do every step of the way.” The only break Patricia’s husband gets from cooking is lunch, which is delivered by the Red Cross. “I’m really happy with Meals on Wheels - it’s way better than hospital food,” she said.
When I asked Patricia why she thinks the Meals on Wheels program is important, she didn’t hesitate with her answer. “You're helping people out who are in desperate need,” she said.
In a way, Patricia is like the others I delivered meals to earlier in the day; she wants to keep her independence, she wants to live in her home with her husband. However, meeting Patricia was different. She offered new depth to the program and its importance.
Red Cross volunteers in Etobicoke pack and prepare food delivered through Meals on Wheels.
When we lose some of our abilities our lives shift and maintaining what we have becomes even more important. I realized during my ride-along that the Meals on Wheels program doesn’t just offer food. It allows people to live in the home where they have spent their adult lives creating memories, it takes some of the stress off of the shoulders of loved ones and caregivers and it provides relief and comfort.
You can help people like Patricia keep their independence by
giving a gift that matters this holiday, such as food, warmth or comfort.