The following release was sent in by the Community Development Council of Quinte.
Some local Meals on Wheels recipients received a little something extra with their meal deliveries this week.
In celebration of National Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17, more than 175 Belleville residents who receive Meals on Wheels were also given a bag of fresh fruit with their deliveries this week. Delivered by volunteer drivers, the fruit was packaged in a reusable bag, and included a recipe for fruit salad as well as a postcard promoting a local home sharing program.
This random act of kindness was a partnership between Community Development Council of Quinte (CDC Quinte), Home Share Loyalist, and Community Care for Hastings South, Belleville office.
“National Random Acts of Kindness Day is meant to inspire people to be generous and kind as doing so brings happiness to both the giver and the receiver,” says Ruth Ingersoll, Executive Director of CDC Quinte. “Given the high cost of food, particularly fruit, we wanted to celebrate this day by providing fresh produce to the people who receive Meals on Wheels.”
The delivery was also an opportunity to share information about the newly launched Home Share Loyalist program. This program matches older adults living in Belleville with Loyalist students and provides participating older adults with companionship, help with projects around the house, and some extra income from renting out a bedroom.
“This program is a win-win for our students and older adults,” says Lori LaMorre-Slatter, Project Co-ordinator and faculty in the Social Service Worker program at Loyalist College. “By prioritizing safe and respectful connections between older adults and Loyalist students, the Home Share Loyalist program can help older adults remain in their homes longer. Whether a person needs some help and support around the home, or is just looking for someone to talk with, this program can help meet those needs. For students, the program provides a chance to connect and learn from an older adult. It also provides an option for students who may be struggling to find safe and affordable housing while they complete their schooling.”
To learn more about Home Share Loyalist, call 613-969-1913 ext. 2105 or visit www.homeshareloyalist.com.
For Ingersoll, the delivery of fruit and information to Meals on Wheels recipients is just one way to show people that others care, and she hopes that more people will follow their lead in celebrating National Random Acts of Kindness Day.
“We are hopeful that our act of kindness will inspire others to show kindness and make kindness the norm,” she says.
The Good Food Box program provides fresh, healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables for a nominal fee. To learn more about the Good Food Box call the CDC Quinte office at 613-968-2466.
