When Olive Guinand and Dorothy Lodge moved to Peterborough in 1964, they were strangers. Living in the same neighborhood while their husbands took up professorships at the newly established Trent University, they quickly became friends. Bonded by shared values and a commitment to community, the two began volunteering with Meals on Wheels in the early 1970s, quickly becoming a vital part of its success.
Olive, first invited by a mutual friend, soon encouraged Dorothy to join her. Together, they delivered meals and shared moments of connection with clients who often had little other contact. Olive captured this importance perfectly in a 1990 Peterborough Examiner article: “You stop and have a chat with them. It’s often as important as the meal.”
Over the years, their involvement grew. Dorothy added a second delivery day alongside Marion Kasska, while Olive brought her financial acumen to the board as Treasurer. Through it all, their partnership—and the friendships they formed with clients—was a cornerstone of their commitment.
As we embrace the New Year, Olive and Dorothy’s story reminds us of the power of small acts of kindness and the joy of shared purpose. If your resolution includes giving back, consider joining Meals on Wheels. Visit www.commcareptbo.org/volunteerwithcommunitycare or call Andrea at 705-742-7067 ext. 205 to learn more.
