People power helps Meals on Wheels

MOWL annual fundraiser Meals on Wheels London used people power to make a point while fundraising in downtown London, Ont. Thursday afternoon.

Meals on Wheels London (MOWL) used people power to make a point while fundraising in downtown London, Ont. Thursday afternoon.

Walkers took part in the MOWL annual fundraiser March for Meals.

It's hoped online and in-person participants will raise $30,000

That is enough to purchase 12,000 meals.

Meals on Wheels helps those aged 55+ and those with disabilities over 18 live independently.

But the service provides more than just a warm dinner.

Volunteers ‘check in’ on socially isolated clients and offer companionship.

In return, they gain new friendships.

“I guarantee you can talk to any of our volunteers and they’ll tell you stories about the people that they get to know along their meal route,” said Executive Director Chad Callander. “And it’s just a nice interaction. So, it kind of serves many purposes.”

This year's effort had fallen 582 meals short of its goal as the walk began.

The campaign ends on May 3, and MOWL is hopeful Londoners will still donate online.