Delivering Much More Than a Meal

Born in Saskatchewan in 1918, Dan is the middle child of 10, he recalls growing up in a sod house that was made by his parents. Immigrants of Romania, Dan’s parents came to Canada in 1910 and settled in Surprise Saskatchewan, a little town that only had a post office.

At just 22, he began his four year service in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a communicator because he spoke both Russian and German. Following that he had a short career as a teacher, but Dan spent most of his life as the owner of the River Side Motel in Medicine Hat.

When we visited Dan, it was easy to see the love he has for his late wife Violet, his face lit up when he began to speak of her as he flipped through photos of their life together.

“She was the girl next door and one day she asked me to take a look at her car, and I told her the best way to see what is wrong is to take it for a drive. The rest is history; we were married for 62 years”.

Their 62 years of marriage brought about a son and a daughter as well as two grandchildren; of whom he is very proud.

Now 99 years old and living independently, Dan says that cooking for one is just not the same. While he is always impressed with the meals, he says the best part of our service is the visits from our wonderful volunteers.

“The people who deliver are the most lively and cheerful people.”

Since 1965, Calgary Meals on Wheels has been delivering much more than a meal. Our service is an essential part of the community social safety net, assisting our clients with their independence, and providing that essential community connection; improving their overall well-being.

Donate this Holiday Season, and help us continue to bring nutritious meals, independence and comfort to thousands of Calgarians each year.