Carefor joins Annual March for Meals Campaign

port the everyday costs of the Meal Delivery program so the program remains accessible to older adults living in Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. Funds will support rising food costs associated with the program.

submitted by Jennie Stephenson

From March 20-24, Carefor participated in March for Meals Week, an annual Ontario Community Support Association event now in its 21st year. The objective remained the same: to increase awareness and community engagement about meal programs. However, the need has never been greater!

Over the past three years, the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light just how essential the meal delivery program is for seniors in the rural communities of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. Carefor experienced a tremendous surge in demand for meals and was able to respond by doubling its meal production thanks to onetime funding and generous donations.

The ability to meet the demand was temporary, and we’ve now resumed our prepandemic production. This shift has allowed all five of the Carefor Support Centres to move to producing and delivering meals three days a week, increasing access to healthy meals for seniors in need. Although meals are being delivered three days a week, inflation has greatly impacted the Meal Delivery program and older adults in the Eastern Counties.

At a time when both operational and food costs are soaring due to historic inflation, the impact on older adults goes beyond cutting and stretching every dollar. This can lead to a decline in overall health and wellbeing, as well as considerable social and economic hardships. Carefor acts as a safety net for older adults who need it most with the delivery of every meal. Nutritious and affordable food is not a luxury, but a right.

For this reason, this year’s March for Meals campaign focused not only on increasing awareness but also on raising funds to sup-

March for Meals allowed organizations like Carefor to speak out and shine a light on the importance of Meal Delivery Programs across Ontario. During this week, local public figures joined the effort by speaking out about the program, delivering some meals themselves, and supporting community led initiatives. Local foodbased initiative supporters including MP Eric Duncan, North Dundas Mayor Fraser and firefighter Terry Wagner joined the effort to raise awareness by helping to deliver meals to Carefor seniors, and to help educate the public on the need for these programs.

Quotes

“The volunteers with Meals on Wheels are fantastic and play a vital role in helping rural seniors stay safe and in their own homes longer. They not only provide a hot meal, but do a ‘check in’ to make sure everyone is doing OK. This program is so important, given the social isolation faced by too many of our seniors and would not be possible but for the dedicated volunteers who continue to step up. This is just another example of the generosity and kindness of our community and for that we are all grateful.” – MP Eric Duncan

“Today I had the opportunity to witness the efforts of an unheralded group of people that ensure that seniors as well as those in need receive a hot meal as well as a visit from a caring

False alarm at local laundromat

the parking lot.

A short while later, the police vehicles remained, but with their emergency lights turned off. It didn’t take long for the situation to be cleared.

person. I know firsthand the relationships that develop are so very important to both recipient and supporter as my late mother benefited from the program. I encourage anyone interested in being a volunteer to contact the Nor-Dun Community Support Centre. On behalf of all of us in North Dundas, thank you.” – North Dundas Mayor

Fraser

“What we have noticed since the pandemic is that the clients of our Meals Delivery Program are much frailer and living with more complex needs. Some face financial barriers at a time when food costs are on the rise. Others are without close family nearby. This program which provides a nutritious meal, a friendly visit, and a safety check to vulnerable older adults is crucial to so many people. That’s why we say it is so much more than a meal program. I would like to acknowledge our staff who prepare the meals and coordinate the delivery. They do so knowing how important the meals are to our clients’ wellbeing. Last but certainly not least, I want to thank our volunteers without whom this program would not be possible.”

- Dianne Kuipers, Manager of Community Support Services - Carefor Eastern Counties

Statistics

Number of meals delivered at peak of COVID-19 pandemic per week: Over 1000

Number of meals delivered now per week: 510

Number of seniors receiving meals: Over 270 across SD&G laying no charges.

Goal for expanding the program: Continue to advocate for ongoing funds to grow the program equitably across SDG.

Police false alarms are bound to happen, but they certainly make small towns talk!

Tid bit musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters RSSW

Why does Easter not get the same fanfare as Christmas despite the connection of events? Following the birth of Christ celebrated at Christmas, His death on the cross was totally for our redemption with God. We ourselves are not free of sin as He was. He died an agonizing death on the cross as a man – not as God nor as the Holy Spirit. As a man He cried out – “my God has Thou forsaken me?" Consequently, we often cry out "where is God?" I don't know about you, but I can cry over a paper cut which is minor to His tormentable death.

Folks who debate His existence need only look at the year. It is 2023 AD. AD stands for after the death of Christ. National Geographic provides an excellent resource on the validation of His existence, as does the Bible. If you refute the sacrifice he made then where does that leave you for eternity, or in daily reality for accepting the holiday?

by Brandon Mayer

Some residents of Winchester may have been alarmed to see a relatively heavy police response at Terry’s Wash Mart in the early morning hours of March 23. Between 6am and 6:30am, three police vehicles were seen at the location with red and blue lights flashing. Officers were seen speaking to the occupants of a pickup truck in

A spokesperson for the Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry OPP detachment confirmed that police responded to a report of a suspicious motor vehicle in the parking lot of the laundromat. Officers attended to speak to the occupants of the vehicle, and quickly determined that no offence had been committed, therefore

If you don't honor God, is it appropriate to accept double pay in lieu of time off or to even take the time off on Good Friday/Easter Monday? It makes one wonder how many of us are simply opportunists with our convictions or lack thereof. Accepting the benefits of a time to remember the meaning of Easter without understanding the significance, borders on sacrilegious. True enough the dates may be off, but the event did take place! Is your Easter about chocolate and family gatherings? New life as in baby chicks, lambs, calves, etc signifies the new life Jesus provides.

It rests on your shoulders to be accountable for your actions, not only in this matter but in all avenues of life. Tread carefully because your footprints leave huge marks!