Dear sir:
Since this is the Year of the Volunteer, at a recent meeting of Meals-on-Wheels, board members all agreed that Fort Frances residents should be proud of the way in which the program is supported.
This is the only place in Ontario that is wholly-supported by the community. Our board is not affiliated with the provincial organization, which means we don’t collect dues and are entirely independent of any provincial or federal funding agency.
Therefore, we are not subject to budget changes nor changes in government policy.
Because the community is so supportive of the program, we can continue to operate in this manner. We can keep our meals affordable for anyone in the community who needs them—be they 20 or 120, on a short- or long-term basis.
The recipients pay for their meals and this money is turned over to Rainycrest to cover the cost of the meals. The staff at Rainycrest volunteer their time to fill the containers, which then are delivered by volunteers.
It would be impossible to single out any one group in town for their donations of time, money, or supplies that keep our program going so well. Our co-ordinator is paid by the town and is the only one who receives any remuneration.
To date in 2001, roughly 3,700 meals have been delivered—and all this entirely by volunteers who care about their friends and neighbours.
Be proud, Fort Frances residents. This is a caring community and our volunteers are to be commended and applauded for their efforts
Being a volunteer
It’s not for money
It’s not for fame
It’s not for any personal gain
It’s just for love of fellow man
It’s just to lend a helping hand
It’s just to give a tithe of self
That’s something you can’t buy with wealth
It’s not for medals won with pride
It’s for that feeling deep inside
It’s that reward down in your heart
It’s that feeling you’ve been a part
Of helping others far and near
That makes you be a volunteer.
(Author unknown)
Signed,
Evelyn Metke
