This month’s Featured Volunteer is a work-a-holic, but she still manages to make time to deliver meals each week. Barbara came to Meals on Wheels in 2017 and quickly became someone we can trust and rely on. Whether it’s picking up extra shifts, or delivering to clients outside her regular route, Barbara is always up for the challenge.
Barbara had considered volunteering at Meals on Wheels for years. She loved the idea of bringing food to those in need and felt like the organization was doing “real good in the community.” When she retired, she decided it was time to see what Meals on Wheels was all about. It didn’t take long for her to feel the impact of her daily interactions with clients. “The smile on their face when I visit with their food and the relationships I have built with them are just some examples of how Meals on Wheels makes the city of Edmonton a stronger community”, she says.
Barbara enjoys being someone that clients can talk with about their lives. She looks forward to being greeted with a smile when she arrives with their meal. She also likes driving the Meals on Wheels vans around the city!
When she is not delivering meals, Barbara keeps busy by taking on new projects and doing tasks around the house. Her favourite activity is going for walks with her dogs and daughters. It gives them a chance to catch up while giving her dogs some exercise.
Barbara would recommend volunteering at Meals on Wheels to anyone who asked, and believes “no other organization can pair the comradery amongst staff along with the actual visible, positive impact the organization has within the community.” Barbara has no plans on giving up her delivery shift any time soon and is excited to see where the future takes the organization.
Thank you, Barbara, for all that you do!