When Meals on Wheels first began in Peterborough in the 1960s, the idea was simple but the logistics were daunting. Hot meals were ready in church kitchens, volunteers were willing to deliver them, but reliable vehicles weren’t always available.
That’s when Don Earle, owner of a local Chrysler–Plymouth dealership, stepped forward. Don loaned the use of a car so volunteers could get meals where they needed to go. It was a practical solution in those early days, and one that helped the fledgling service gain momentum. With Don’s support, drivers could cover more ground and ensure that clients across the city received not just food, but comfort and care.
Don spent his working life in the car business and was deeply active in community life. A long-serving Rotarian and volunteer, he was remembered as a kind and gentle man who quietly made a difference. When he passed away in 2020 at the age of 92, tributes spoke of his generosity and the many local causes he had touched.
More than sixty years later, every Meals on Wheels delivery still depends on a vehicle — and the kindness of people willing to share what they have. Don Earle’s early contribution helped put the program on the road, and his legacy continues each time a volunteer driver turns the key and sets out on a delivery.
