As general manager of Meals on Wheels, Jennifer West says having partnerships in the community is a big plus for the organisation.
It not only helps raise funds but also brings awareness of the growing demand for its services in Cayman.
The demand for Meals on Wheels services has grown significantly.
“The demand for Meals on Wheels services has grown significantly, especially over the past three years,” she says.
The not-for-profit delivers free hot meals to seniors and vulnerable people in the community year-round. It provides an average of 350 meals a day across all five districts in Grand Cayman – that’s more than 7,000 meals per month. West attributes the skyrocketing demand to the pandemic, along with rising living costs.
“Imagine that just five years ago we were serving only 120 meals a day,” she says. “Now, not only are we receiving daily referrals and distressed calls regarding seniors in need, but we are seeing more younger people reach out for services.” That’s why West was delighted when recruitment consultancy SteppingStones took on Meals on Wheels as its 2023 charitable partner.
“We have been blown away by the outpouring of their support,” she says. “They have already hosted a pickleball tournament in aid of Meals on Wheels, their staff deliver meals to our seniors in George Town each week and they continue to raise awareness of the growing problems facing our seniors.”
LONG TIME SUPPORT
SteppingStones Recruitment Manager Rosie Scott says the agency has a long-standing commitment to support the Cayman community through donations, sponsorships and volunteerism. One of its core values is “Community minded, diversity inclusive, understanding and empathetic.”
“We live in a small community who prides itself on ‘Caymankind’,” says Scott. “We are firm believers that we have a responsibility to support, protect, and promote the organisations who give their all to ensuring the welfare of our community on a daily basis.”
The upcoming SteppingStones INSPIRE leadership development conference on 5 Oct. will be donating part of the proceeds from ticket sales to Meals on Wheels. Organisers are also encouraging donations throughout the day of the conference – which SteppingStones will match.
QR codes will be available to scan as a quick and easy way to donate at the event. Meals on Wheels banners and branding will be visible leading up to the conference, and on the day itself, to boost support for the non-profit.
COMMUNITY BOOSTER
SteppingStones has been a long-time supporter of Meals on Wheels, dating back to 2014. Along with delivering meals rain-or-shine on a weekly basis, the company takes part in the annual ‘Orange you Glad’ dress down day and other fundraisers. Its corporate pickleball tournament held earlier this year raised $4,000 for Meals on Wheels.
SteppingStones pledged $30,000 to Meals on Wheels at the beginning of the year to assist with its daily operations as well as contribute to the cost of its new home, currently under construction.
Meals on Wheels relies on around 130 volunteers to deliver hot meals and hearty soups to residents across the island. Along with a nutritious meal, the service helps seniors maintain their independence by staying in their own home. Social interaction with volunteers also addresses isolation, a major issue with some seniors.
For Scott, it’s a win-win partnership. “Our staff internally have the opportunity to foster relationships and engage with the local community through the partnerships we have developed,” she says. “We will remain committed to driving forward positive social change in whatever way we can.”
That kind of support from the corporate community makes a real impact, notes West. “When a company like SteppingStones partners with a non-profit like Meals on Wheels, it brings priceless value,” she says. “Meals and Wheels is extremely grateful for the patronage from SteppingStones.”
For more information about SteppingStones Investors in People platinum organisation, visit steppingstonesrecruitment.com.
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