Meals on Wheels

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JOE.BRYKSA@FREEPRESS.MB.CA Meals on Wheels volunteer Don Brown delivers hot meals and a bit of company to clients.

Meals on Wheels

What they do:

Since 1965, Meals on Wheels has been providing food-delivery service to people in Winnipeg who are unable to purchase or prepare their own meals. With nearly 1,000 clients, the organization delivered more than 200,000 meals in 2009.

Hopes for the holidays:

Meals on Wheels not only provides nutritious frozen and hot meals, but also relies on the efforts of their volunteers to cheer up clients during the holiday season.

"During the holidays, we see an influx of clients," said Rhonda Gardner, executive director of Meals on Wheels. She said many of them are senior citizens or people on disability.

Hot turkey dinners and handmade quilted placemats are just a few of the extra services Meals on Wheels provides during December.

Gardner said because of the added clients and meals, they always need more volunteers -- not just for the holidays, but for the entire year.

"It can also be a family outing when helping Meals on Wheels. When a client opens their door to smiling children, it always brightens their day," said Gardner.

"Volunteers are just as important as the meals are."

How to help:

Meals on Wheels is always looking for an extra hand -- whether it's preparing food, driving volunteers or interacting with clients. For volunteer inquires, you can contact the organization at 956-7722 or email the organization (at volunteer@mealswinnipeg.com).

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 8, 2010 B2