For the first time, Langley Meals on Wheels will soon deliver nutritious meals on weekends, thanks to a $25,000 gift from Otter Co-op and Ashdown Capital. The new service extends the organization’s weekday delivery to Saturdays and Sundays, initially prioritizing seniors and other community members who face barriers to accessing nutritious meals, including those living with limited mobility or recovering at home following hospitalization.

Langley Meals on Wheels delivers more than 500 meals every weekday across Langley City and the Township of Langley. It also provides meals for students in need in the Langley School District and hosts community events in its newly renovated event space at the Firehouse Café. Its goal is simple: to make sure everyone in the community is fed, connected, and supported.

To decide what to do next, The organization completed an eight-month organizational assessment supported by United Way BC. Together, they reviewed its operations and the needs of the community to find where new investment would make the biggest difference. Expanding to weekend delivery for its most vulnerable clients came out on top.

"Hunger and isolation don't take the weekend off, and neither should community care. For many of our clients, the knock on the door means just as much as the meal itself. It's an opportunity to check on someone's well-being, offer a moment of connection, and make sure they have the support they need to remain safely and independently in their homes. Thanks to Otter Co-op and Ashdown Capital, we're taking an important step toward extending that care to seven days a week. Their generosity is helping us deliver much more than a meal." —  Shannon Woykin, Executive Director, Langley Meals on Wheels.

The $25,000 gift is a collaborative contribution from Otter Co-op and Ashdown Capital, longtime partners who share a commitment to giving back in the communities where they live and work. It’s the second time the two organizations have teamed up on a major local gift, following a joint $30,000 donation to the Langley Hospice Society in 2021 to support the Family Shower Room and Laundry Area at the Langley Hospice Residence.

“For a senior living alone or someone who can’t easily get out of the house, a weekend without a meal at the door can be long and difficult,” said Jack Nicholson, CEO of Otter Co-op. “We’ve been truly moved by the work Langley Meals on Wheels does every day, and we want to help them build on that success. As a co-op, we’re owned by the people in this community, so supporting our neighbours is part of who we are. We’re proud to stand alongside Ashdown Capital once again, and our team is looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and helping deliver the very first weekend meals.”

“The work Langley Meals on Wheels does in our community is truly incredible, and we couldn’t be prouder to support an organization with such a genuine passion for helping others. Knowing that our contribution will help ensure those who need it most have access to nutritious meals and a friendly face over the weekend makes this partnership especially meaningful. We’re grateful to once again partner with Otter Co-op to make a lasting difference right here in our own community.” — Brad Kiendl, Founder & Principal, Ashdown Capital

Weekend delivery is expected to begin in the coming weeks, and members of the Otter Co-op team will be volunteering to help deliver the first round of meals when service launches.

Volunteers and donations needed

The $25,000 gift gets weekend delivery started, but keeping it going will take the whole community. Langley Meals on Wheels is looking for volunteers, including drivers, to help deliver meals on weekends, as well as ongoing donations to sustain the service. To volunteer, visit lmow.ca/volunteers. To donate, visit lmow.ca/donate-now. For more information, call 604-533-1679 or email info@lmow.ca.

About Langley Meals on Wheels

Langley Meals on Wheels is a registered charity that provides nutritious, dietitian-approved meals to seniors, people recovering from illness, and anyone in the community who needs extra support. Meals are delivered Monday to Friday across Langley City and the Township of Langley, with subsidies available for those in need, and an outreach program that feeds vulnerable community members. Learn more at lmow.ca.