Renfrew Rotary Club president Christine Jarrett arrives at the Renfrew hospital to pick up the day's Meals on Wheels deliveries. (Sherry Haaima photo)
It’s a long-running program that brings warm meals to the homes of those who need it in our community.
The Meals On Wheels (MOW) program is a joint project of the Renfrew Victoria Hospital (RVH) and the Renfrew Rotary Club.
MyFM tagged along with Renfrew Rotary Club president Christine Jarrett last week to deliver meals along the route during the lunch hour.
She explained that the local program was founded by Dr. Ron Lavigne and a nursing colleague who identified a need.
The food is prepared by hospital dietary staff and special diets (diabetic, cardiac, renal, etc.) and allergies can be accommodated.
Meals, which cost $7.50, include soup, main plate and dessert delivered to clients living within the town limits of Renfrew. Clients may have one-to-seven meals per week depending on their needs and availability of space in the program. Officials say certain days are busier than others.
Jarrett says the partnership between the Rotary Club and RVH works quite well.
And while the Rotary Club helps to invoice and organize volunteers to deliver, a number of local organizations and individuals pitch in to keep the program going.
Many hands make light work as the saying goes and Jarrett said the club is grateful for the support of those who help out.
Personally, she enjoys connecting with the clients and says it can be a good way to check in with those who may be shut-in or not have family or friends nearby to check in.
For more information on Meals on Wheels, contact Christianne Balint, Registered Dietitian and Director of Dietary at 613-432-4851 ext. 130 or by email balintc@renfrewhosp.com
Those interested in volunteering can reach out to the Rotary Club for more information.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)