The National Volunteer Week theme for 2021, The Value of One, The Power of Many, reflects on the awe-inspiring acts of kindness by hundreds of Edmontonians AND the magic that happens when we work together towards a common purpose. #VolunteersBringChange and with change comes opportunity. A new perspective, a new practice, a new pursuit for assessing and altering volunteer recognition now and in the future. We recognize the value of the caring and compassion that each one has shown another, and we recognize the power of people, organizations, and sectors working together.
Since March 2020, EMOW has seen a huge increase in production and demand. Our services have increased 70%, and with that, so has the need for volunteers. This last year alone, our volunteer kitchen helpers and drivers combined have donated over 135,000 hours to our organization and hundreds of thousands of kilometers. Every weekday from 10am-1pm on the roads, and around the clock in our kitchen (7 days a week), our volunteers are ensuring our city’s most vulnerable are receiving a fresh and healthy meal.
“I am truly inspired by your compassion and dedication, especially through these uncertain times,” says Executive Director Liz Tondu. “Your unwavering support means so much to so many people. With your help, vulnerable Edmontonians have assurance that their meals and grocery needs are taken care of.”
As we celebrate all those who have stepped up to help others this year, we also recognize those who have stepped back from volunteering to protect themselves and others. The value of one person staying home helps protect their network, the power of many people keeping their distance helps protect the community.
On behalf of everyone at Meals on Wheels, thank you for feeding the body and soul of our organization.
