Caledon Meals on Wheels is Here for Our Community

Most of us are aware of Caledon Meals on Wheels operating in our community or are at the very least, aware of the concept of Meals on Wheels and their meal delivery service to older adults, those with disabilities, or individuals battling chronic illness. It is an outstanding service we’re most fortunate to have in our community, provided by an exceptional Caledon Meals on Wheels team and their phenomenal volunteers; however, there is also so much more to what they do and offer to clients.

Caledon Meals on Wheels has been in operation in our community for over 35 years and during 2017 – 2018, served over 750 individuals, delivering almost 25,000 meals by approximately 200 volunteers. In addition, 550 different seniors participated in the organization’s weekly, monthly, and special event programs while over 13,000 safety checks and friendly visits were conducted. These statistics are very impressive and something our whole community can celebrate because of the difference they are making in the lives of so many right here in our community.

The programs and services offered by Caledon Meals on Wheels extend beyond their excellent meals delivery program. They also offer seniors’ social and wellness programs, as well as friendly visiting programs. The seniors’ social and wellness programs operate weekly and aim to foster a healthy lifestyle, social engagement, and independent living. They also include three key elements important for all of us: exercise, nutrition, and fun/friendship. Activities for these programs can range from a guest speaker or entertainer, a luncheon, a discussion group, or a creative activity. Regardless of the activity, participants are guaranteed to have a great time with neighbours and make some new friends. What’s even better is that there is no charge to attend these programs, which are intended for seniors and adults 55+. Caledon Meals on Wheels takes care of providing the necessary exercise equipment needed for physical activities through their certified instructors, trained by the Centre for Activity and Aging at Western University. The only thing required of participants is to dress comfortably to receive the best experience from the exercise class.

Caledon Meals on Wheels also offers fantastic Friendly Visiting Programs. The programs are arranged in three formats and are carried out by volunteers. The first, Let’s Get Together, can be a social visit with a volunteer usually taking place once a week for approximately one hour in a client’s home. The visit can be anything from chatting, looking at old photos, reading, etc… and is free of charge. The second program, Let’s Exercise, connects clients with a trained volunteer (in the client’s home) on a regular, weekly basis while engaging in a simple, progressive exercise to stay active and engaged. This program is free of charge and for seniors 65+; however, it may not be able to accommodate all individuals. The third program, Let’s Do Lunch, pairs a volunteer with a client (at the client’s home), on a weekly basis to enjoy lunch together, resulting in new friendships, as well as shared stories and experiences. There is a cost for this particular program. For more information on all of these programs, please call Caledon Meals on Wheels at 905-857-7651 or visit their website at https://cmow.org/

Caledon Meals on Wheels also recently celebrated its’ annual March for Meals campaign, which I was, once again, very proud to support in both Orangeville and Bolton. The aim of the campaign is for local Meals on Wheels organizations to raise awareness and highlight the importance of their invaluable programs and services, while also celebrating their work and positive impact in their respective communities. It also provides all individuals an opportunity to personally experience the programs in operation by joining volunteers on their meals delivery routes. It was a pleasure going out with the volunteers, meeting constituents, and seeing, firsthand, the immense impact this organization continues to have in our community. I commend the entire Caledon Meals on Wheels team and their many, many extraordinary volunteers on the incredible work they do to encourage nutrition, wellness, and social interaction for local seniors.

If you’re interested in volunteering with Caledon Meals on Wheels or would like to donate, I encourage you to call 905-857-7651 or visit https://cmow.org/