News

Each week, VON client Bob* relies on Meals on Wheels (MOW) driver David to drop off nourishing frozen meals at his home. In addition to delivering meals, dedicated drivers like David provide clients with social connection and an important safety check. For Bob, that safety check may have saved his life. 

One evening, the night before David was scheduled to deliver Bob’s meals, Bob had a fall. He needed medical assistance, but couldn’t get to his phone to call for help. The situation could have been dire, but Bob had complete faith in David. He pulled a pillow off the couch and determined he’d wait until morning for David’s knock.

David had started his journey with VON as a volunteer transportation driver in Halifax, where he was a popular and beloved driver, often taking clients to medical appointments and then to get groceries on the way home. When David moved to Pictou County, he missed his work with VON, and eventually took a position as a driver for Meals on Wheels. 

“David is an incredibly dedicated member of the Pictou community support services team (CSS) team—he knows every client and they look forward to seeing him each week,” says Heather Rowlands, Manager, Home and Community Care, CSS, VON Antigonish and Pictou County. “He has become an expert at re-arranging freezers even when they’re ‘full’ to make sure every last meal can fit.”

Heather says the entire Pictou team is dedicated to client-centred service. “From ordering in special meals for clients to try, to offering to pop over to a client’s home to swap out some meals they disliked, to taking the time to learn the names of their children and grandchildren, the team is always putting clients’ needs first,” she says. 

These interactions increase social connection, and—for isolated seniors—help to form an important safety net. “They are the first to know if a client who is not answering the door usually has a car in the driveway, or if they seemed under the weather the week before,” says Heather. “This enables them to advocate on their behalf.” 

Bob’s faith in David was justified—David arrived when expected and knocked repeatedly, calling out to Bob to ask if he was okay. When he heard Bob say he needed help, he called 911 and Bob received the medical attention he needed.

“This program runs like a well-oiled machine, all owing to the team, and members like David,” says Heather. “Because of their care and commitment, we are able to offer clients nourishing meals and important social connection, helping them to live with better health and wellness, independently in their own homes.”

Read more about VON’s Meals on Wheels program: von.ca/von-care/meals-wheels-frozen

To donate so that more people in your community can have access to meals, please visit: von.ca/donate

*Client name has been changed to protect privacy.