Recognizing the contributions of Meals on Wheels volunteers, working together to make a
difference.
Welland, Ontario March 20, 2023 – Community Support Services of Niagara is pleased to
participate in the 21st annual March for Meals – a month-long celebration of Meals on Wheels
and the thousands of people across the province who rely on this critical service. This March,
Meals on Wheels Ontario acknowledges the tireless efforts of the many volunteers who support
Community Support Services of Niagara and other MOW programs; preparing, packaging, and
delivering meals, and helping to address hunger and social isolation.
Ontario's most vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities are currently facing extraordinary
levels of food insecurity. With the demand for nutritious and affordable meals growing each day,
Meals on Wheels continues to rise to meet the need.
“Due to the pressure of increasing food costs and overall higher cost of living, we have
experienced an increase in the demand for our services in Welland/Pelham area as well as the
Lincoln/West Lincoln/Grimsby area,” said Carolyn Askeland, Executive Director of CSSN. “Many
of our volunteers were seniors themselves, and unable to participate in the same way during the
pandemic. With the dramatic jump in demand for our services, volunteers are needed now more
than ever. Together, we have shown that we can make a difference and we thank everyone who
is willing to commit their time and effort to MOW programs here and across the province.”
Since April 1, 2022 CSSN has provided 15597 hot and frozen meals in the Lincoln/West
Lincoln/Grimsby community and approximately 21224 hot and frozen meals in the
Welland/Pelham community. Our volunteers have donated 5816 hours in those communities
ensuring our seniors receive a nutritious meal. These great volunteers also perform wellness
checks ensuring each client is safe and doing well, easing the worry of family members.
During the month of March, community-based Meals on Wheels programs across the province
will participate in activities and awareness campaigns to promote the impact of these programs
and highlight the importance of vulnerable seniors having access to a nutritious meal, friendly
visit and safety check.
“During the week of March 20th, 2023 CSSN will be raising awareness about Meals on Wheels,
the impact of the program and our amazing volunteers with five flag raising ceremonies over
three days,” said Christine Bissonnette, Community Engagement Specialist of CSSN. “Mayors
from Welland, Pelham, Lincoln, West Lincoln and Grimsby will be assisting our volunteers with
the delivery of hot meals, as well as hosting flag raisings in each of their communities. This is
known as Mayors for Meals Week. And to honour our volunteers, this week is also known as
Community Champions Week. We simply could not run this incredibly important program
without our champion volunteers, we are truly grateful.”
For more information on how you can volunteer, visit www.happyinmyhome.com If volunteering
is not currently an option for you, please consider a donation to CSSN Meals on Wheels
Program so that we can continue to provide low cost, nutritionally balanced hot meals to our
vulnerable population allowing our seniors to stay safe, independent and happy in their home.
The public is welcome to join CSSN, the Mayors and volunteers at the following flag raising
ceremonies in their communities. Schedule is as follows; Monday March 20th at 9:30am with
Lincoln Mayor Easton at town hall and 1:30pm with West Lincoln Mayor Ganann at the
community center. Tuesday March 21 at 9:00am with Grimsby Mayor Jordan at town hall and
1:30pm with Pelham Mayor Junkin at Meridian Community Center. On Wednesday March 22nd
at 10:00am with Welland Mayor Campion at town hall.
Community Support Services of Niagara is a not-for-profit volunteered based agency providing
non-medical support services to seniors and adults with disabilities, so they can remain
independent in the comfort of their own homes. Our services include Meals on Wheels,
transportation to and from appointments, grocery shopping with delivery, safety and wellness
checks, friendly visiting to combat loneliness, snow removal, home maintenance and Safety at
Home Program.
