In the 1990s, Peterborough’s Meals on Wheels program found itself at the center of an unexpected cultural exchange. Japanese students from Sir Sanford Fleming College began spending their placement days observing and assisting with the program, gaining insight into how Meals on Wheels brought support and community to local seniors.
This partnership caught the attention of Japanese media, and soon, an article about these placements was published in a national newspaper. The coverage sparked international interest, leading to two high-profile delegations from Japan visiting Peterborough in the mid-1990s.
The first group, in 1996, included 20 municipal officials from the northern Hokkaido region, touring to learn best practices in social services. Just six days later, 15 national civil servants arrived, exploring environmental programs, tourism promotion, and community-based services.
During their visits, the delegates met with Meals on Wheels staff, volunteers, and clients. They witnessed firsthand how the program fostered independence and well-being. For the Peterborough team, it was a proud moment to showcase their efforts and exchange ideas with their international guests.
One visitor, the Director of International Relations at Chuo College in Nagoya, later wrote, “Thank you for your kindness and generosity to me and my students.” This heartfelt message symbolized the connection forged between cultures and highlighted the universal value of supporting communities in need.
These exchanges left an indelible mark on both Peterborough’s Meals on Wheels program and their Japanese counterparts, proving that even a local initiative can inspire global collaboration and goodwill.
