During the holiday season, small acts of care can carry particular weight. In mid-December, Cape Breton University鈥檚 Human Resources team joined New Dawn Meals on Wheels to help ensure local residents received a warm meal and a friendly holiday check-in.
The HR team volunteered as part of a holiday delivery takeover, supporting individuals and families across the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Working alongside the Meals on Wheels staff, the team completed delivery training before heading out in small groups to deliver nutritious meals, seasonal cards and cookies to 41 local residents.
鈥淎s a team, we鈥檙e proud to work for an institution with deep roots and partnerships across our Island, Unama鈥檏i. We make it a priority to step outside our office and show up in the 福利免费在线看 as leaders and to embody CBU鈥檚 values: Courage 鈥 Mel kik no鈥檛i, Cooperation 鈥 Maw lukitimk, and Quality 鈥 Mawi kelu鈥檒k,鈥 said Raelynn Mechelse, Senior Labour Relations Consultant. 鈥淭heir welcoming and passionate team reminded us that courage can be as simple as showing up to help.鈥
Lending a Hand for the Holidays
For many recipients, the visit offered a real and consistent point of contact during a season that can feel especially quiet for those living alone. James McKee, Director of Human Resources, noted that the program’s logistical ease makes it an ideal fit for busy professional teams.
鈥淲hat stood out for us was how well-organized and coordinated the entire process was. The meals were planned and bagged in a way that was very easy to follow,鈥 said McKee. 鈥淲hat also stood out was how grateful the clients were. It was a very meaningful way to spend an afternoon, and we would gladly recommend a ‘volunteer takeover’ to other teams.鈥
The experience highlighted the essential role Meals on Wheels plays year-round. Sara Roth, Manager of New Dawn Meals on Wheels, emphasized that the service provides important relief not only to recipients but also to their families.
鈥淜nowing that a loved one is receiving a hot meal and a safety check allows family members who live away to feel a sense of relief and security,鈥 said Roth. 鈥淎t its core, Meals on Wheels is neighbours supporting neighbours. We鈥檙e all likely to need this service at some point in our lives, while at other times we may be able to offer that support to others.鈥

Raelynn Mechelse, Sarah Ferguson, Terrilynn Laffin, Glenda Corbett, James McKee, Sara Roth (Manager, New Dawn Meals on Wheels), Jeremy Oliver.
How to Get Involved
Volunteer opportunities with Meals on Wheels are designed to be flexible and low-commitment. Options range from casual shifts to a 鈥渄edicated one-day-per-month鈥 opportunity where a department or group can adopt a route.
If you or your team would like to make a difference, you can learn more at newdawnmealsonwheels.ca/volunteer or read more about their impact in their latest 福利免费在线看 blog post.
To connect directly with the Meals on Wheels team: