Saba Lions celebrate 5 years of Meals on Wheels

The Saba Lions Club celebrated the fiveyear existence of its Meals on Wheels programme on the evening of Tuesday, October 27. They did so by honouring their sponsors, contributors and staff who made the programme possible since its introduction in 2010.

Invited were representatives of the supporting companies, dignitaries of the government, others involved in the programme, and of course, the members of the Lions Club.

The Meals on Wheels programme provides a hearty and healthy lunch five days a week to those that do not have the financial means or a debilitating challenge to access such a basic human right.

Most recipients are elderly persons who are still finding a way to make ends meet on a meagre pension. Next to this group, those with other limitations preventing them to get a good meal every day, are also taken care of.

Through the programme they not only get a good meal, but it is also a way to break their possible social isolation and make sure someone checks on their well-being every day.

Awards were handed out in three categories: Suppliers, Donors and Staff. The awarded suppliers were Cost-U-Less, Merchants Market, Prime Distributors and PDG Supplies, all from St. Maarten, which were not able to attend but will be handed their award at a future date.

Big Rock Engineering N.V., Big Rock Market N.V., My Store and Unique Supermarket from Saba were the recipients on Saba. Their support makes the programme a lot more consistent, reliable and cost-effective.

The Saba Health Care Foundation was awarded for its donation of a vehicle to bring the meals to the recipients, and continued support for its assistance at times with deliveries to the clients, thus facilitating the programme in being more efficient and reliable.

The Public Entity of Saba was awarded for their continuing financial contribution towards the programme and ensuring its sustainability. Their contribution allows for a positive impact on the lives of many on the island.

Arebella Hassell, who has been cooking for the programme since the beginning, was recognised as invaluable and always going above and beyond to ensure the wellbeing of the clients of the programme.

Hassell received her award and an additional token of appreciation in the form of a cheque for US $500.

Master of Ceremonies for the evening Carl Buncamper thanked everybody for their support and expressed his hope that together with all the contributors, supporters and other stakeholders it would be possible to expand the programme in the near future, with a focus on the youth and additional social areas to be considered so even more people will be able to benefit from the programme.

The ceremony was followed by a dinner that reflected typical dishes that the clients of the Meals on Wheels programme would receive.

The Daily Herald.