In September 1983, Meals on Wheels marked a milestone in its journey by moving its headquarters to the Queen Alexandra Community Centre on Barnardo Avenue. This transition symbolized the program’s extraordinary growth, delivering over 18,000 meals that year to seniors and adults with physical challenges across Peterborough.
The move was necessary as the program outgrew the space at Murray Street Baptist Church, a steadfast partner since its inception. While the church needed to reclaim its kitchen and meeting areas, their support for Meals on Wheels continued in other meaningful ways.
Thanks to a collaborative agreement with the City of Peterborough and a $9,500 New Horizons Grant from the federal government, the Queen Alexandra Centre was transformed into a hub of activity. The grant allowed for essential renovations and the purchase of new furniture and equipment, ensuring the facility could meet the growing demand.
Board leaders like Joy Edwards, President, and Nancy Parr, Vice-President, spearheaded the move, rallying volunteers, donors, and community partners to bring the vision to life. The new space not only accommodated the program’s expanding operations but also represented a fresh start—one that underscored the community’s unwavering dedication to supporting its most vulnerable members.
As Meals on Wheels settled into its new home, it embraced a future of even greater impact, proving that with the right partnerships and a shared commitment, anything is possible.
Nancy Parr, Vice-President of the Board of Directors at the time, gives a gift to Joy Edwards, President of the Board.
