Meals on Wheels is putting out the call for more volunteer drivers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Program co-ordinator Louise Lamberigts said many volunteers have been seniors and some are self-isolating — not because they’re sick, but to stay healthy.
She said staff are also limiting their public activities.
“We work with the vulnerable and we need to keep serving them, otherwise, who else will feed them? That’s a priority for Meals on Wheels,” Lamberigts said.
From Monday to Friday, Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver up to 100 hot, noon meals to people who are unable to prepare meals themselves. Each meal costs $7. Extra meals for the weekend can also be dropped off on Friday.
She said the program is also ready to handle clients who are sick with COVID-19.
In response to the virus, clients who are not physically disabled are leaving a tray outside their door, where the volunteer places the meal so the client and volunteer can stay two metres away from each other.
“If there’s no interaction, if we’re not touching anything of theirs, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t get a meal. They need to eat.”
She said while no one can predict what will happen in the future when it comes to the virus, there is no foreseeable change for Meals on Wheels.
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Red Deer Meals on Wheels looks for drivers
Seven volunteers work to deliver meals each week day, so a minimum of 35 volunteers are needed each week.
Lamberigts said it can take time for criminal record checks to be completed for volunteers, but she is willing to consider checks done in the past five years.
Anyone interested in volunteering, or receiving meals, can call 403-340-2511.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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