Della Biss began her journey as a Meals on Wheels volunteer in the 1980s, answering a call from her friend, Mae Telford, who suggested they could make a difference together. For nearly 20 years, Della and Mae delivered meals throughout Peterborough and Ennismore, becoming familiar faces in the community and providing much-needed support to those in need. For Della, volunteering was about more than just delivering food. “I enjoyed meeting different people and trying to cheer them up,” she recalls. She always kept in mind that she might be the only person her clients saw that day, and she took it upon herself to ensure they felt cared for and connected.
One delivery stands out in her memory, as Della recalls. She and Mae were enroute when they were struck by another driver who ran through an intersection. While the accident shook them up, the pair quickly checked on each other and assessed the situation. With typical resilience, they contacted the Meals on Wheels office, and another volunteer arrived to assist. True to their commitment, they ensured every meal was delivered, showing how vital their work was to both of them and the clients they served.
Della’s life story mirrors the support and independence that Meals on Wheels aims to provide to seniors in the Peterborough area. She spent countless hours supporting the community and, in turn, Community Care was there for her as she aged. With a helping hand from Community Care, Della was able to live independently in her own home until the age of 100—a milestone that fills her with pride. Now, approaching her 102nd birthday, Della looks back on her years of service with deep satisfaction, knowing the difference she made for others.
Della exemplifies the best parts of Community Care and Meals on Wheels: dedication, compassion, and a commitment to ensuring everyone feels valued. Her story is a testament to the program’s lasting impact on both clients and volunteers, embodying the spirit of generosity that has sustained Meals on Wheels for 60 years.
