An appreciation tea at Sylvan Lake Lodge recognized the efforts of volunteers who deliver Meals on Wheels to people in our community.
Carol Baragar said paid tribute to “these wonderful people”.
Meals on Wheels received the Helping Hands award in 2011 and she read information printed then about the organization and its operation.
“Meals on Wheels supplies one nutritious meal per day to Sylvan Lake residents unable to cook for themselves but who wish to remain in their homes. Delivered Monday to Friday, excluding holidays, the meals are prepared at the lodge.”
The program has been in operation about 22 years.
Edie Gamble has been coordinator for about nine years. She sets up the schedule and calls volunteers who deliver the delicious meals.
There are 17 volunteers at present, up from 10 in 2011. They include Don Edgecombe, Iris Tiboni, Jean Marriott, Bryan and Judy Lambertson, Irene McKellar, Toni Horn, Edie and Joe Dracek, Gerald Bystrom, Mildred McLeod, Shirley Mannix, Margaret and Joe DeHass, David Pearson and Amy James with her children Jasper and Marinna.
“These wonderful people not only give their time delivering meals — which can be up to seven per day — but they are donating the gas to get them there,” said Baragar. “Now days, that’s huge.”
“We want them to know how important they are for Sylvan Lake residents. They come, pick up the meals, drive around town, rain or shine, and back to the lodge with the boxes. They are the quiet unsung heroes and we love them.”
Baragar added they “go with a smile on their face and say hello to somebody who maybe hasn’t seen anyone for a while. People out there really appreciate you.”
Small gifts were presented to each of the drivers.
Baragar singled out two people for special mention. Don Edgecombe has been volunteering for 13 years — “that’s absolutely incredible, phenomenal what you’re doing.”
“I’ve really enjoyed doing Meals on Wheels all these years,” he said. “Hopefully when my wife takes a turn for the better I will be back doing Meals on Wheels again.”
The other person was Edie Gamble who’s acted as co-ordinator for many years and keeps the volunteers scheduled.
The afternoon concluded with entertainment, cake and refreshments.