The Unison for Generations 50+ YouTube page released a short video highlighting the third annual March for Meals Campaign.--SCREENSHOT
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A new online video posted Friday shares testimonials and information about a month-long initiative to support the Unison at Veiner Centres’ Meals on Wheels program.
This month marks the third annual March for Meals Campaign, which raises funding and awareness for the program that provides nutritious well-balanced meals for seniors who may need a little extra help due to a variety of reasons, including physical disabilities, illnesses or cognitive impairments.
The program delivers hot meals directly to the doors of seniors’ homes by trained volunteers who prepare the meals each morning.
Throughout the two-minute YouTube video, half a dozen testimonials by clients and volunteers speak about the important service that delivered more than 32,000 meals in 2024. In 2024 volunteers with the program dedicated more than 6,000 hours of service delivering approximately 2,500 meals each month.
These volunteers often spend time with their seniors and are able to perform wellness checks during deliveries, acting as a tool to help combat social isolation.
“I appreciate that the drivers are kind and friendly and stay a few minutes to talk,” says Sophia, a Meals on Wheels client.
Doreen, who is also a client, states, “It’s such a nice variety all the time. The people that deliver are always so nice and friendly when they come. It’s so nice to have a friendly face first thing in the morning.”
Approximately 80 per cent of the program’s funding comes from donations. Meals on Wheels receives 21 per cent of its funding through the Family and Community Support Services provincial grant.
For each $60 in donations, the Veiner Centre is able to provide a senior with nutritious meals for a month. Donations can be made online on the Veiner Centre’s website.
Until April 30 residents can also donate money from their recycled bottles and cans at Shamrock Bottle Depot, or drop-off their recyclables at the Veiner Centre.
Additionally, the Medicine Hat Brewing Co. is donating $1 from each purchase of a mojito or margarita throughout March.
Beginning Monday local leaders, celebrities and community figures will join volunteers to deliver meals during Champions Weeks, which runs until March 21.
The online video can be viewed by visiting Unison for Generations 50+ YouTube page.
Donations can be made by visiting the Veiner Centre’s website. Individuals interested in volunteering with Meals on Wheels are asked to email hellomedhat@unisonalberta.com.
