By treating themselves to lunch delivered to their desks, Peterborough business owners and employees can help put dinner on the table for the growing number of community members who rely on Meals on Wheels.
Community Care Peterborough has announced the return of “Meals to Go,” its spring annual fundraising appeal. The popular fundraiser, which takes place on Wednesday, March 26, is a semi-annual event that sees meals delivered directly to local workplaces by Meals on Wheels volunteers.
Each meal sold helps subsidize the cost of Meals on Wheels in Peterborough, “ensuring that nutritious food remains accessible to those who need it most,” Community Care Peterborough noted.
Danielle Belair, CEO of Community Care Peterborough, shared a few thoughts with kawarthaNOW about the importance of the fundraiser.
“Meals to Go is more than a fundraiser,” Belair said. “Every lunch delivered, every meal donated, and every volunteer hour contributes to a legacy of care that has supported Meals on Wheels for the past 60 years.”
The demand for Meals on Wheels has grown and community support is vital for the success of the program, Belair added.
“The need for Meals on Wheels has increased considerably in the last few years and this initiative helps us further our efforts to fight food insecurity for seniors and adults living with physical challenges.”
The $15 meal features a Greek chicken pasta bowl (served cold) with a triple-chocolate fudge cake dessert. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free alternatives are also available. The menu has been crafted in collaboration with Mapleridge Retirement Residence, which prepares hot Meals on Wheels in Peterborough.
To take part, groups of co-workers must order meals in advance, with one representative submitting the full order. The deadline to order is Tuesday, March 18. Orders can be placed online at www.commcareptbo.org/mealstogo.
In addition to purchasing meals, Community Care Peterborough invites businesses and community members to donate non-perishable food items in support of Vinnie’s Food Pantry, a Peterborough food bank operated by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. A donation collection will be available at the time of meal delivery.
Community Care Peterborough is also seeking new volunteers in March for the Meals on Wheels program.
“We have set a goal of recruiting 60 new volunteers to support Meals on Wheels, and other essential services we offer, as we commemorate the 60th anniversary of Meals on Wheels in Peterborough,” Belair said.
In December, Meals to Go surpassed its goal of 600 donated meals for clients in honour of the anniversary milestone. Meals to Go also coincides with March for Meals, an annual campaign that raises awareness of Meals on Wheels programs across North America.
In Ontario, more than 68,000 people rely on Meals on Wheels, and Peterborough is home to one of Canada’s earliest programs. Today, Community Care Peterborough delivers more than 50,000 meals annually throughout the city and county.
“We are so grateful for the incredible support that has sustained Meals on Wheels for 60 years,” Chris LeBlanc, director of donor and public relations at Community Care Peterborough, said in a media release.
“It takes the entire community — businesses, volunteers, donors, and partners — to keep this essential service going. Meals to Go is a fantastic way for businesses to enjoy a great meal, support Meals on Wheels, and now, give back even more by donating non-perishable food items to help those in need.”
Meals to Go is made possible through the support of sponsors, including Mapleridge Retirement Residence, Sysco, Outpost Packaging, and Crosswind Farm.
Community Care Peterborough is a multi-service charitable organization dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and independence for seniors and adults living with disabilities across the city and county of Peterborough.
Through services including Meals on Wheels, transportation, and wellness programs, Community Care Peterborough “enriches the lives of thousands in our community each year.”
