It is hard to imagine that just over a year ago due to COVID-19, we made the decision to close our doors and cancel all in-person programs and services. Our Meals on Wheels program, which is an essential service, remained open and over the last 12 months we have met the increasing demand to provide meals to those with the greatest need.
In March 2020, many of our regular Meals on Wheels volunteers had to step back from their volunteer role due to their own health concerns or those of their family. We were amazed by the response of so many new volunteers ready to step in and help. With the regular volunteers that were able to stay and the new volunteers, we were able to respond to an increasing number of deliveries. Each week our volunteers deliver approximately 3,000 meals, along with a friendly wave from 6 feet away.
The month of March is designated as March for Meals, and to celebrate March for Meals we presented each of our Meals on Wheels volunteers with a card which contained a photo of them in action picking up their meals; a collage of the Bernard Betel Centre staff holding “thank you” signs and a special message from our Board of Directors President, Marcus Staviss.
In his message, Marcus shares what we all feel about this amazing volunteer team
To our incredible Meals on Wheels Volunteers,
You are essential! Throughout a year-long pandemic, you’ve left your homes to support hundred of Holocaust survivors and vulnerable, isolated seniors. You’ve provided food, conversation, and friendly (masked) smiles. With demand for Meals on Wheels higher than ever, we’ve been blessed to have many new volunteers, and others who have taken on more deliveries than before.
Through fear, uncertainty, and all kinds of weather, you’ve shown incredible commitment and compassion when our community has needed it most. Thank you for giving so much of yourself!
If you would like to join this incredible team of volunteers, please contact Cheryl Besner at 416-225-2112, ext. 127 or cherylb@betelcentre.org.
It has been quite a year. The Betel Centre has been remarkable in so many ways. All the wonderful programs, the fitness, music, concerts,, cooking and art classes, lectures, news, views and schmooze, fabulous and Maria who is always there to assist. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
To all that have worked so hard. Thank you, Marion Kashin
Thank you for your kind words Marion! And thank you for being with us this past year 🙂