“March for Meals” designed to help promote Meals on Wheels program

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“It’s a big year for us,” said DiBartolomeo. “This is an exciting time.”

DiBartolomeo also thanked the community partners for participating in the “March for Meals” campaign, including Seasons Amherstburg, Seasons Royal Oak Village in LaSalle, Garfield’s Restaurant in Harrow and Specks’ Restaurant in Amherstburg. Each community partner donated a soup that was delivered with the meals.

Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue, Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy and LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche helped launch the campaign Monday morning.

“I think it’s a vital service for seniors in the community,” said Bondy.

Many have difficulty leaving their homes so this allows them to have a nutritious meal, with Bondy adding “everyone should have access to food.”

Prue said he was delighted to help launch the program, noting that when he lived in Toronto, his mother-in-law used to receive Meals on Wheels.

“It kept her in her home another five or six years,” said Prue.

Volunteers also ensured his mother-in-law was safe, he said, recalling a story of when he received a phone call asking about her one day when she didn’t answer the door. He said he is confident similar dedication is shown in Amherstburg.

“It is very, very important,” he said of the Meals on Wheels program, adding isolation is a problem among seniors and this is a way they can still be part of the community.

Meloche called it “a vital service to our community” and noted that while Essex County is a “retirement destination,” it also means more seniors are coming. That translates into services like Meals on Wheels becoming even more important.

The need for volunteers continues to grow, Meloche added, also stating programs like Meals on Wheels can’t run without them.

“We’re going to need more help, we’re going to need more hands,” she said.

Seasons Amherstburg was represented by Morgan Ouimette and Beau Velduis while Seasons Royal Oak Village was represented by Anthony Ferriolo and Tammy Dufour.

Dufour said the two Seasons Retirement Community locations team up and help provide extra treats and food for the seniors

“Seniors are what we’re all about as well,” said Dufour.

Chelsae Schurman from Garfield’s Restaurant said the staff discussed for several days what soup to make and agreed on cream of mushroom. She said running a restaurant keeps them busy so this is a way they can give back to the community. Seniors often become regulars but often have to stop because they can’t get around anymore, so they are pleased to still be able to help them.

“We’re happy to contribute in any way we can,” said Schurman.

Brush said Speck’s contributed its popular chicken buckshot soup, agreeing that they also enjoy giving back to the community. She said many memories have often been made at Speck’s and this allows that to continue.

Nancy and Bob Knowles, a husband and wife team from LaSalle volunteer with Meals on Wheels with Bob doing it for 12 years and Nancy for three. Bob drives, Nancy delivers.

“One or two clients wait for me at the door. The pleasure of seeing and talking to them is a treat for me,” said Nancy. “Our few minutes conversation is lovely.”

Karen Gyorgy, an Amherstburg volunteer, said “every minute has been so rewarding. So many ways to give back to the community.”

Harrow volunteer Veronica Jamieson added she enjoys helping out.

“I enjoy doing it and meeting the people,” said Jamieson. “I am 83-yearsold and I have no plans to stop volunteering for Meals On Wheels. I also volunteer at the Full Circle Thrift Shop in Harrow.”

Jack Merrifield, a Meals On Wheels client in Amherstburg, praised the quality of the meals.

“These meals are just like having someone in the house, cooking your meals for you,” he said. “I couldn’t cook the meals any better. Taste good and are very nutritious. I tell people, with these meals, Jack is living the dream.”

For information on Meals on Wheels or any of ACS’ other programs, visit the Amherstburg Community Hub at 320 Richmond St., call 519-736-5471 or visit www.amherstburg-cs.com.