Happy Birthd'eh Canada!
As our amazing country turns 150, we here at Calgary Meals on Wheels, thought it would be a good time to take a moment and reflect on all the accomplishments of Calgary, Canada, and Calgary Meals on Wheels since our founding. So, enjoy this blast from the past and travel with us back to 1964.
Feb 15, 1965: Canada chooses the Maple Leaf for its new flag
Nov 15, 1965: Meals on Wheels officially launched as a pilot project with eight clients
Feb 1, 1967: Meals on Wheels becomes a United Way-funded organization
Jun 30, 1968: Construction on the Calgary Tower began on February 19, 1967. It was completed in 15 months at the cost of $3.5M.
Mar 13, 1969: In 1969 Meals on Wheels acquired our first delivery van. It was donated by the South West Lions Club
Apr 11, 1972: In 1972 we upgraded our facility again and moved to 828 – 4 Ave SW. The building was leased from the City of Calgary.
Dec 25, 1975: After applying for a formal name change Meals on Wheels officially became Calgary Meals on Wheels.
Feb 21, 1979: In 1979 Calgary Meals on Wheels was award the Birks Award for our work with seniors in the Calgary community.
May 21, 1980: 1980 was a big year for both Canada and Calgary. On May 21, 1980, the Atlanta Flames were officially transferred to Calgary.
Feb 2, 1981: To make deliveries quicker and easier Calgary Meals on Wheels opened our first depot in the south west at Riverview United Church.
May 25, 1981: On May 25, 1981 Calgary’s south bound C-Train opened from Anderson to 7th Ave.
Oct 15, 1983: Construction on the Saddledome began on July 29, 1981. After more than two years of building and $97.9M the dome was finally opened to the public.
Nov 19, 1983: After years of planning and over half a million dollars raised Calgary Meals on Wheels officially moves to our new building at 3610 MacLeod Trail.
Oct 5, 1984: In 1984 Canada reaches space as astronaut Marc Garneau becomes the first Canadian in space.
Apr 7, 1986: To ensure the best quality meals for our clients Calgary Meals on Wheels hired our first dietetic consultant, Mairi Matheson-Paszek.
Feb 13, 1988: From February 13 – 28, 1988, Calgary hosted the Winter Olympics.
May 25, 1989: The Calgary Flames win the Stanley Cup!
Jun 4, 1991: In 1991, after a year of holding the event, the City of Calgary recognizes and hosts the first official Pride Week.
Jan 1, 1996: After decades of continued growth Calgary Meals on Wheels officially changed our policy so that any individual in need, despite their age, could receive our services.
Nov 24, 2001: The Calgary Roughnecks are announced as part of the National Lacrosse League’s expansion
Jan 15, 2002: To better serve all our clients Calgary Meals on Wheels introduced the Chopsticks program in 2002 which serves authentic Chinese cuisine.
Jul 20, 2005: After decades of protests Canada finally recognizes gay marriage as being equal before the law.
Jan 8,2008: To raise funds for the new building Calgary Meals on Wheels launched the Step up to the Plate Capital Campaign with a goal of $10.2M.
Feb 12, 2010: From February 12 – 28, 2010, Vancouver hosted the 21st Olympic Games.
Jul 6, 2012: In 2012, the Calgary Stampede turned 100!
May 31, 2013: After years of planning, fund raising, and discussion on May 31, 2013 Calgary Meals on Wheels finally moved into our new production facility.
Jun 19, 2013: In June of 2013, Calgary experienced historic rainfalls which caused massive flooding.
May 7, 2014: On May 7, 2004, the Calgary Roughnecks won their first Champion’s Cup against the Buffalo Bandits. Five years later the Roughnecks won yet again.
Nov 13, 2014: By late 2014 all funds needed for the Capital Campaign, $10.2M, were raised!
May 5, 2015: 2015 was a year of changing tides. On May 5, 2015, Alberta elects the NDP’s ending 43 years of a Conservative Albertan Government.
Nov 15, 2015: On 2015 Calgary Meals on Wheels turned 50!
Jul 1, 2017: Canada turns 150!