Since 2004 Meals on Wheels has been recognized three times as a finalist for the City of Kelowna Organziation of the Year Award and in April 2005 was the recipient of this prestigious award.

CENTRAL OKANANAGAN FOUNDATION VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR

CENTRAL OKANAGAN REGION NUTRITION SOCIETY
Chicken stir fry with vegetables and steamed rice, or fillet of salmon with cheese sauce, potatoes and mixed vegetables - what will it be tonight?

The Central Okanagan Region Nutrition Society, better known as Meals on Wheels and Dinners @ Home, has been offering up these and other nutritious meals to shut-ins and seniors since its inception in 1969.

With over 75 volunteers committing some 5500 hours each year, they deliver more than 2000 meals each month in Kelowna alone. the volunteers all use their own vehicles and pay for their own fuel, throwing in plenty of smiles along the way.

Gertie Johnson, who has been volunteering with them since February 1969 states, "I know the meals are more than nutriotious because I always pack in a little kindness."

In addition to delivering meals, these volunteers are a welcome contact with the outside world. This combination often allows seniors to continue living at home instead of being forced into care homes.

This past year, the organization again  participated in the Santa for Seniors program and continues to get Black Mountain Elementary Students involved in making Valentines for their clients.

The toughest decision left for their clients is will it be apple pie or carrot cake for dessert?