Without a little help, the Prince George Council of Seniors Meals on Wheels program won’t be able to take on any new clients.
Lola-Dawn Fennell, Executive Director of the PG Council of Seniors, said the service has become a victim of its own success.
“Because of the volume of clients at the moment, we’re limiting the number of news intakes we can take per week and if this growth continues we’re going to have to temporarily turn away any new clients. We really hate to do that because Meals on Wheels is a very valuable service in the community.”
This program currently provides meals to around 80 regular clients and is delivering over 1,000 meals per month, more than double the volume from a year ago and a client load larger than they can handle with the current amount of volunteers.
“They’re also getting the social values of having that volunteer come to their door. They’re seeing a human being as well. Social isolation is an issue for a lot of people in this community,” said Fennell.
She added that most volunteers drive once per week, and they’re looking for short term volunteers are welcome as temporary help over the summer months, particularly on Wednesdays, while regular volunteers are away on vacation would be helpful although more volunteers are critical year round.
To become a Meals on Wheels volunteer, individuals must complete a volunteer application form and provide a Criminal Record Check and Driver’s Abstract as well as have a valid Driver’s License and reliable vehicle. Forms are available at the Seniors Resource Centre, 721 Victoria Street, Prince George.
For more information, contact Nicole at 250 564 5888 or [email protected].
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