Photo courtesy
Cook Johanne Houde and assistant cook Madeleine Landelle work alongside volunteers Claudette Spears and Spencer Wong in the kitchen as they prepare meals for delivery

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Community Aid, a vital organization serving seniors and individuals with geriatric profiles in the Eastern Townships, is seeking volunteers to support its growing demand for services. Leigh Hortop, who oversees services at Community Aid, emphasized the critical need for additional help, particularly in their Meals on Wheels program.

“We provide a range of services to help seniors remain in their homes,” said Hortop in an Aug. 28 interview. “These include Meals on Wheels, escorted transportation to medical and legal appointments, friendly visits, grocery shopping, technology assistance, and various social and exercise groups. All these services are crucial for maintaining both the physical and social well-being of our clients.”

Hortop detailed that the organization is particularly in need of kitchen helpers and drivers for the Meals on Wheels program. Volunteers are needed in North Hatley, Waterville, and Lennoxville, with a pressing need in North Hatley. “In North Hatley, our Meals on Wheels program runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and we need volunteers to assist the cook with meal preparation, serving, and cleanup. While we have a paid employee to manage the menu and groceries, volunteers are essential for tasks like chopping vegetables, peeling potatoes, washing dishes, and packing meals,” she explained.

Experience in the kitchen is not a requirement for volunteers, according to Hortop. “You don’t have to be a trained chef to be a kitchen helper,” she said. “We have volunteers with various levels of experience. Some might have professional backgrounds, while others just enjoy cooking at home. What’s important is the willingness to help.”

Photos courtesy
Volunteer Sayyed Ali Dadvar hands over meal bags he prepared to delivery driver volunteers George Martel and Jennifer Garfat, ready to distribute to the community

In addition to kitchen duties, there is a strong need for drivers to deliver the meals. Volunteers typically spend about an hour delivering meals, which consist of a main dish, soup, salad, and dessert, to clients in their homes. “It’s a straightforward process,” Hortop said. “Drivers pick up the delivery bags, drop them off at clients’ homes, and ensure everything is delivered correctly. There’s also a built-in check-in system to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients.”

Hortop noted that volunteers use their own vehicles for deliveries, but Community Aid reimburses them for mileage. “It’s an important point for potential volunteers to know. Anytime your car is being used for our volunteer work, you will be reimbursed for mileage,” she clarified.

Community Aid also has other volunteer opportunities outside of Meals on Wheels, such as the escorted transportation service, which helps clients get to important appointments. “This service is quite popular, and we’re always looking for more drivers, especially in North Hatley, Waterville, and Lennoxville,” Hortop mentioned.

Volunteers can choose to commit regularly or opt for a flexible schedule, accommodating the availability of those with busy lives. Hortop emphasized that even occasional help is valuable, particularly during the busy fall season.

For those interested in volunteering, Hortop encouraged them to visit the Community Aid website, where all opportunities are listed, including specific details about the time commitments involved. The organization also requires an interview, references, and a police check as part of the application process.

“We rely heavily on volunteers to run our services,” Hortop emphasized. “We’re grateful for the community’s support in spreading the word about our needs.”

Potential volunteers can find more information and apply through the Community Aid website or by contacting the office directly: https://communityaid.ca/ or 819-821-4779