Sooke’s Meals on Wheels delivers a lot more to its clientele than just three meals a week.
“You can’t beat it,” said Lorraine Hoy, the president of Sooke Meals on Wheels.
“You get a great variety of food, homecooked and delivered hot, right to the door, but that’s only part of the attraction for some.”
Beyond supplying folks with a hearty meal, the program provides a social aspect to the service that simply can’t be ignored.
“For some of our clients its a chance to interact with someone on a regular basis. They become friends and they really look forward to seeing our volunteers show up at the door. The food is great, but the smiles are just as important.”
The Sooke Meals on Wheels Program charges $6 a meal for the service that delivers meals every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to about three dozen Sooke residents. It’s barely enough to cover the cost of the food, but the organization’s status as a not-for-profit group (as opposed to a charity) makes it hard to solicit donations to augment costs.
“We can’t give a tax receipt because we’re not classified as a charity, but the people of Sooke do tend to be very generous,” said Hoy.
This year, for example, the Sooke Harbourfront Lions Club is donating a poinsettia, a card and homemade cookies for all the Meals on Wheels clients. The Sooke Quilters are also offering their support with the donation of some Christmas quilting to brighten the holiday.
“A lot of our clients simply can’t cook for themselves … some have been in the hospital, and others are at a point where cooking is difficult for them. Our service helps to allow the elderly or those with a disability to stay in their homes longer,” said Hoy.
She added they always welcome help from the community.
Anyone wishing to become a client of Meals on Wheels or those wishing to volunteer or donate to the program are asked to contact Hoy at 642 5003.
mailto:tim.collins@sookenewsmirror.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter