Meals on Wheels in Moose Jaw has been a vital community program for over 30 years. COVID put a brief halt to the efforts of volunteers, but with restrictions lifting, the program is ready to welcome them back.
“We’re looking for a number of volunteers,” said Leanne Schutte, manager of Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) volunteer services in Moose Jaw. “As many as we can get, really.”
Meals on Wheels (MOW) is a SHA Home Care program meant to help individuals maintain as much independence as possible. “Ultimately, the goal is to help people stay in their homes and receive a nutritious meal,” Schutte explained, “instead of having to consider a more supported-living situation.”
Schutte wasn’t sure just how long the MOW program has been running in Moose Jaw – but it has been at least 30 years. For almost all that time, it has been supported by volunteers.
“In the time that I’ve been aware of and involved in volunteer services,” Schutte said, “this is the first time we’ve had to defer it to home care staff.”
Home Care continuing care aides have been delivering MOW throughout the pandemic. COVID made using volunteers both complicated and unsafe. With pandemic restrictions now being lifted – the SHA stopped its proof-of-vaccination requirements on Monday in concert with the provincial government – staff are thrilled to be able to welcome volunteers back.
Right now, there are 20 meals to be delivered each day. Volunteers usually work in pairs or groups. That way, one person can drive while another delivers.
The time commitment is 45 minutes to an hour. Coordinators try and make the routes circular and logical so there isn’t too much zig-zagging across the city.
Meals are delivered Monday through Saturday at noon.
Schutte said that MOW is a vital community program serving the elderly and the vulnerable. In certain cases, it can also be a short-term support. For example, a person recovering from a difficult surgery, who for whatever reason doesn’t have help at home with cooking. Circumstances are assessed on a case-by-case basis by continuing care coordinators.
Meals are prepared at Pioneer Lodge on Albert Street. “We’re able to prepare meals to accommodate some special dietary requirements as well,” said Schutte, “such as heart healthy meals or diabetic meals.”
There are some screening and education requirements for volunteers, which is where the volunteer coordinator comes in. “That’s what Peyton would help the volunteers with,” Schutte explained. “She’ll help everybody get registered and obtain the required training to be a volunteer with SHA.”
The most important requirements are a vehicle and a driver’s license. If enough volunteers sign up, it might be possible for Home Care to increase their number of clients.
If you are interested in volunteering, please call Volunteer Coordinator Peyton Barnie at (306) 630-7405, or email her at [email protected].
