The Meal Delivery Program at the Lan‑Char Support Centre in Lancaster begins each day with something simple but powerful: neighbours looking out for one another. With up to one-third of seniors living alone, a warm meal delivered with a friendly smile can mean the difference between isolation and connection. For many seniors, these meals are not only nourishment, but are also a reminder that someone cares.
Nancy Contant has seen this impact firsthand. After more than 25 years volunteering with Carefor, first through footcare and now through meal delivery, she knows how meaningful a brief visit can be. Living in Lancaster and caring full‑time for her 100‑year‑old mother, Nancy says the program enriches her life as much as it does the clients’. “Meeting all the clients and making a difference in their lives” is what keeps her going, she explains. It’s also how she met Marilyn, who has become one of her closest friends. Volunteering, she adds, gives her a chance to recharge and is “a social outing to help others” that doubles as caregiver support for herself.
Marilyn Lebrun joined the program two years ago, shortly after retiring and welcoming a new granddaughter. Encouraged by Nancy, she quickly discovered how fulfilling the work could be. “A lot of people know me in the community, so it’s a great social outing,” she says. “It feels good to give back.” Like Nancy, she treasures the friendships she’s formed along the way.
One of the people they visit regularly is Corrie Flipsen. Corrie lives alone, though she has a large and loving extended family. The Meal Delivery Program allows her to maintain her independence without relying on them for daily help. She loves the hot meals, but even more, she loves the visits. “Meeting new people and socializing with the volunteers gives me something to look forward to,” she says.
These stories reflect the heart of Carefor’s five Senior Support Centres in Alexandria, Lancaster, Ingleside, Winchester, and Finch. Each centre provides essential services that help seniors age safely at home, stay socially connected, and feel supported in their community. As Lan‑Char Support Centre supervisor Tina Castonguay puts it:
“Our meal delivery program means that many seniors can stay at home, where they want to and for some, where they need to due to the cost of retirement homes. We’re proud to help our seniors live with independence.”
During March for Meals, we are looking for donations to support our meal delivery programs as well as people who want to volunteer. Visit our website to find out more information about donating, volunteering or accessing the program.