DEMAND DRIVES NEED FOR MEALS ON WHEELS PORT COLBORNE

AGENCY GROWS AND CHANGES WITH NEED

It's volunteers like Sharon Tingey who are the driving force for Meals on Wheels (MOW) Port Colborne — literally.

Each week, Tingey is one of more than 50 volunteers who pack up food, get behind the wheel of the car and deliver meals to people at home who are unable to purchase or prepare their own.

Tingey delivers meals three days a week to clients.

"I think the best part of volunteering is meeting people. I think it's important for seniors to get a good meal, and a lot of (clients) don't have family nearby. A lot of their kids don't live in Port Colborne anymore," she said.

Katrina Postma, executive director for MOW Port Colborne, said the not-forprofit runs on a shoestring budget; the program receives about one third of its operating costs from Home and Community Care Support Services.

The rest of the program's funding is paid for thanks to generous donations and fundraising.

"All my volunteers are champions and we couldn't do what we do without them," Postma said.

That's why the annual March for Meals campaign to raise awareness about MOW is important, Postma explained.

Champions week will also be celebrated from March 20 to 24, their local mayors, elected officials, local celebrities and other prominent community figures in creative ways to deliver meals, speak out for seniors and people with disabilities and raise awareness for the power of MOW.

Port Colborne Mayor Bill Steele and Wainfleet Mayor Brian Grant have been requested by MOW Port Colborne to act as champions and help volunteers deliver meals.

"We like our mayors to show us their support during champions week," Postma said.

"The significance (of champions week) shows our elected officials the community involvement."

Post said there is a misconception that MOW delivers only a meal, but in reality it's more than that.

"It's also a health and safety check. When it's needed we share resources with families when they are needed."

Meals cost $8.50 and are prepared locally by Gourmet at Home in Port Colborne.

The agency serves seniors,

adults who are chronically ill, living with a disability, recovering from surgery, or those who are undergoing medical treatment.

"People don't always realize that you don't have to be 65 to use our services. You could be 30 and need our help. That's what we're here for," Postma said.

The executive director said the need for MOW services continues to grow.

"We have 122 clients we serve in Port Colborne, Wainfleet and Sherkston and we've seen a 17 per cent increase in the need for our services since last year," Postma said.

"We have had clients who have passed away during that time so the fact that services still have increased 17 per cent show that there is a big need."

As the demand has increased, Postma said MOW has done a lot of work in terms of updating its website to make it more user friendly, and expanding fundraising efforts.

Donations can be made directly online, with the click of a button, which Postma said wasn't available before.

Last year, MOW kicked off a senior giving tree program, and thanks to generous donations, the agency delivered 122 holiday gifts to clients during the holidays.

The agency also offers its clients a free meal on non-delivery statutory holidays which businesses can sponsor for a $500 donation.

Postma said donors will receive a tax receipt, and be recognized as a sponsor with a label affixed to the meal with a logo or business name.

For more information about Meals on Wheels Port Colborne, to volunteer, or to donate visit www.mealsonwheelspc.ca or call 905 835-1581.

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: Each year, Meals on Wheels providers participate in the annual March for Meals campaign to raise awareness about the program. Reporter Sarah Ferguson reached out to Meals on Wheels Port Colborne to learn more about the impact the program has on the community.