For our two fundraising events in October 2016, we created a short Meals on Wheels Video.

Thank you to www.24604tv.com for this great video highlighting our volunteers and clients!

For over 50 years Leonard gave back to the Vancouver community.  Now, often not leaving the comfort of his home, he relies on Meals on Wheels for a hot meal, a social visit and a check on his well-being.

Leonard was born in Shanghai, where he attended Cathedral School for Boys  and later was interned in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp at Santo Tomas University during WWII in Manila, PH. Following liberation, he and his mother moved to Victoria, BC. Here, he worked at places such as Spencer’s and the Pacific Club before landing work at the new CBC television operation in Vancouver in the 1960s.

50 多年來，Leonard 熱心奉獻於溫哥華社區。現在他經常足不出戶，只靠 Meals on Wheels 的送餐服務，他就能享用一頓營養均衡的熱午餐，並有義工友善探訪及確認他的一切安好。

Leonard 出生於上海。 在二戰其間, 他曾受雇於菲律賓馬尼拉的日本戰俘營。 解放後，他和他的母親遷居到卑斯省的維多利亞,  並在斯賓塞和太平洋俱樂部工作。 其後 他在1960 年任職於溫哥華CBC電視台。

1968 年，Leonard 做了溫哥華海洋博物館的主管。被評為 “本地人最富於當地的海洋歷史知識。” 他因維護了海洋歷史, 在1992年 他接受了溫哥華歷史學會的頒獎。這個獎項是每年頒發給一個或多位對溫哥華歷史作出重大貢獻的人。

Leonard 現年86歲，他行動也大不如從前方便。30年來獨居於同一柏文，他沉浸於早年在中國的回憶，他依賴朋友，鄰居以及看護來協助他每天的生活所需。他期待 Meals on Wheels 送餐服務的原因是他可以每天見到不同的人和與他們聊天。 熱心送餐的義工在每星期一至五探訪他，並確保他能收到健康的營養餐。 我們很驕傲能回報給對本地社會有貢獻的人如 Leonard。


By 1968, Leonard was working as the Curator at the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Noted as the “most knowledgeable local person on local marine history,” he was awarded the Vancouver Historical Society’s Award of Merit in 1992 for the conservation of maritime history. This award is annually given to one or more persons who have made significant contributions to the understanding and appreciation of Vancouver history.

Leonard is now 86 years of age and much less mobile than he was during his days at the museum.  Living alone in the same apartment for over 30 years, surrounded by memories of his earlier days in China, he relies on friends, neighbours and care aides to stop by to assist with his daily needs.  Leonard looks forward to Meals on Wheels because it allows him to “see different people every day and they often stay and chat awhile.”  Dedicated Meals on Wheels volunteers check up on Leonard each weekday to ensure that he receives healthy and nutritious meals. We are proud to give back to local champions like Leonard, who have helped our city grow and be remembered. 

Mr. Au-Yeung was born in Guangdong, China 88 years ago, and at 16 years of age he moved to Hong Kong because of the war.  There he lived an active life for many years, swimming every day and working as a salesman to support his wife and three children.  Years later, at age 60, he moved to Vancouver and now he lives alone.

歐陽先生出生在中國廣東省，今年八十八嵗。由於戰亂他十六嵗那年移居到香港. 在那裡，他過著積極及健康的生活，每天都會游泳. 他從事推銷行業，養活了妻子和三個孩子。多年後，60多歲的歐陽先生搬到溫哥華, 現在獨自一人居住。

對於獨居和言語不通的長者, 溫哥華可以是一個冰冷和不友善的城市。 歐陽先生覺得煮一個人飯餸很麻煩，所以他偶爾外出用膳. 但遠在香港和澳洲的家人都擔心他獨自外出時會因路滑而跌倒。現在他的家人不用擔心了，因爲他正接受由講中文的義工一星期五天都送上中餐。  這些熱心的義工用他們寶貴的時間探訪每個長者， 除了帶給他們一份熱餐之外還有帶給他們關心和溫暖。

Vancouver can be seen as a cold and unfriendly city at times, especially for a senior living alone and unable to speak English.  Mr. Au-Yeung finds it a hassle to cook Chinese meals at home, therefore he occasionally journeys out to find Congee (rice porridge).  His family, who live as far away as Hong Kong and Australia, worry about him slipping or falling in our wet weather.  To his families’ relief he now receives hot, traditional style Chinese Meals on Wheels, delivered by a Chinese speaking volunteer directly to his door each weekday.  Our Chinese Meals on Wheels service depends on the dedication of our volunteers who take time out of their day to brighten the lives of clients who may not otherwise have contact with those who speak their language.

For 15 years, until suffering a heart attack at age 90, Joan delivered nutritious meals to seniors in her community who were often younger than herself. Today at 92, Joan is visited by many of the same people she volunteered with, only now she is the recipient of the nutritious meals she once delivered.

Although Joan remains independent, she is quite content to welcome the daily delivery of a hot meal. As she points out, "I look forward to a daily visit with my good friends at Meals on Wheels and of course the sandwiches and hot meals are just the ticket."

Joan's story demonstrates the cycle of giving and receiving that is appreciated by the many individuals dependent on some level of home care. Our Meals on Wheels program is fueled by volunteers who are selflessly committed to contributing positively to their community by delivering something as essential, yet as simple, as a life sustaining meal.

Frieda, a talented artist and avid gardener, has lived in her East Vancouver home for 60 years; a house filled with her artwork, and a beautiful garden where she loves to spend her days. A few years ago Frieda had a stroke. Although she is quite mobile, shopping for and preparing meals can be a challenge. Remaining independent and healthy in the comfort of her own home is very important to her.

Twice weekly, Meals on Wheels delivers a hot meal to Frieda’s home. She appreciates the visits by friendly volunteers who take the time to chat and ask how she is doing. “I wait for them – they are my visitors”, says Frieda, of the volunteers. “Five minutes makes a difference for people who don’t get out a lot”.