For more than three decades, Elaine has shown how one person’s dedication can ripple through an entire community. As a regular volunteer with Circle of Care’s Meals on Wheels program, Elaine has proven that consistent effort – no matter how big or small – can create lasting change.
Finding Purpose Through Service
Before retiring, Elaine spent her afternoons teaching at Associated Hebrew Schools. But her mornings felt empty, and she wanted to put them to good use. Volunteering wasn’t just an idea—it became a calling.
Elaine chose Meals on Wheels, the program that combats food insecurity among seniors by delivering readymade meals, because it aligned with her values: providing hands-on support that directly impacts others. Over the years, her role has expanded far beyond delivering meals. She has organized delivery routes, assigned drivers, packaged meals when supplies ran low, and prepared orders for distribution.
Elaine’s commitment has given her a front-row seat to the scale of the program’s impact. She is deeply moved by the knowledge that Meals on Wheels delivers up to 25,000 meals each month.
“It’s incredible to think about how many lives we touch,” Elaine says. “It’s an honour to be part of something so meaningful.”
Shaping a New Chapter with Resilience
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted operations, Elaine pivoted. She took on behind-the-scenes tasks — labelling bags, organizing logistics, and ensuring a smooth delivery process for drivers. While some might overlook these details, Elaine views them as essential.
“I don’t need the spotlight,” she shares. “It’s about knowing the work I do matters, no matter how small it may seem. It keeps me grounded, gives me purpose, and brings me joy.”
Elaine also treasures the friendships she’s built along the way. The camaraderie of fellow volunteers keeps her coming back year after year.
Inspiring Others to Join the Journey
Elaine’s favourite part of volunteering? The people.
During her years as a Meals on Wheels driver, she cherished the opportunity to connect with clients on her route. For many, she was the only person they saw that day. A warm smile and a short conversation made a world of difference.
Elaine encourages others to find their own path in volunteering.
“There are so many ways to give back,” she says. “There’s a role for everyone. It doesn’t have to take much time, but it can mean everything to the people you’re helping.”
Elaine’s dedication is proof that small acts add up to something powerful. As she reflects on her journey, she offers this takeaway: “Volunteering isn’t just about what you give. It’s about what you gain—purpose, connection, and the knowledge that you’ve made a difference.”
Elaine’s story is a reminder that through service to others, we all have the power to change lives, including our own.
By Jasmine Morris, Circle of Care Volunteer Writer
