Dave is what some may define as a “Meals on Wheels Champion”, having stepped up to the plate many times to fill in for routes outside of his regular hours. He joined our crew in 2018. He had spent some time looking for a volunteer opportunity for a special program he was a part of which prepares workers for their transition into retirement. Dave saw an ad for delivery drivers on television, and his wife said, “Why don’t you try that out?” So, he did!
It didn’t take long for Dave to realize how his contributions were making a difference. During his first delivery shift, a woman was extremely touched when he wished her a happy birthday and gave her a piece of cake. This type of reaction isn’t uncommon in Dave’s experience. “I see the gratitude every time I go out and deliver,” he explains. This is Dave’s favourite part of volunteering. He also enjoys the sense of responsibility his role gives him. It gets him involved with the community and gets his brain working.
Dave’s favourite memory was when he delivered to a client who had coincidentally been his supervisor in a past job. He intentionally stopped at the client’s home last so that they would have time to chat—and good thing! Once they got talking, the client remembered who he was and the two caught up for over an hour! Anyone who knows Dave knows he’s a chatterbox! When he isn’t delivering meals, Dave keeps busy playing online poker, travelling, and camping on the Oregon coast. Thank you, Dave, for all the chats, laughs, and everything you do for Edmonton Meals on Wheels!
