In December 1975, the future of Meals on Wheels in Peterborough teetered on the edge of uncertainty. Two longstanding volunteer leaders announced their intention to step down the following summer, leaving the program without a clear path forward. At the same time, demand for the service was surging, with community organizations advocating for significant expansion. The weight of unmet needs threatened to overwhelm the volunteer-led program.
But when the program’s continuity was in jeopardy, the Peterborough community rose to the challenge. Conversations sparked action, and individuals from all corners of the city banded together to safeguard the vital lifeline Meals on Wheels provided. By April 1976, a solution had emerged, thanks to tireless efforts by volunteers and the Senior Citizens Council.
As Co-Ordinator Dorothy O’Toole wrote to the volunteers, “The combined efforts of individuals and the Senior Citizens Council have produced good results, and we are very pleased to tell you that Meals on Wheels will be continued without interruption.”
Key among the new wave of leaders were Lois Davis and Sharon Haller, whose willingness to step into administrative roles ensured the program’s survival. This transition of leadership not only averted disaster but also laid the groundwork for the program’s future growth.
This chapter in the story of Meals on Wheels reminds us that while challenges are inevitable, the strength of a community lies in its ability to unite for a common purpose. Thanks to the commitment and resilience of its people, Meals on Wheels has continued to serve those in need, growing stronger with each passing year.
