Wilma

In August of this year, I turned 94 and I am so grateful for the wonderful experiences I’ve had in my 94 years. I count myself lucky to have 4 healthy children and 7 vivacious grandchildren. For years, I supported my community through volunteering and now I am grateful to donors like you who help provide Meals on Wheels.
 
As a young woman, I served my country as a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force in Ottawa, Prince Rupert and Victoria. First, helping guide new recruits through the process of joining the Air Force, and later helping keep track of all planes flying in and around the British Columbia Coastal region.

In Prince Rupert, I lived and worked in the side of the mountain, where I helped track the movement of planes by placing pins and markers on a huge map of the region. When I looked out across the valley, I could see the American Army Base.  We were always happy to be invited to get away and enjoy the American Army’s much better equipped kitchens. In those days, all our food came in the form of powdered eggs and milk and we were happy for something different!

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After the war, I moved to Vancouver and met my wonderful husband, also an Air Force Veteran. We lived happily together and I was able to volunteer my time with Cubs, Scouts, Brownies, Cadets and even Meals on Wheels. For years, I would visit the same clients and got to know their stories while my daughter and I drove around in her tiny Volkswagen Rabbit delivering hot Meals on Wheels.

In recent years, my eyesight has worsened and I’ve been unable to read or shop for myself, but I haven’t let that stop me. I borrow books on tape from the library to listen to historical novels and mysteries and now I receive hot lunches delivered by friendly volunteers.

I’ve come to know each volunteer with their unique personalities. While every volunteer is kind and thoughtful, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know my Wednesday volunteer very well. She loves golf as much as my grandchildren do, and we often find ourselves chatting about the past week or books we’ve read.  I look forward to speaking with the volunteers every day.