Published: Wednesday, 3rd February, 2010 5:00pm

Not even ice halts 'Meals on Wheels'

Pictured in the Meals on Wheels kitchen on College Street, from left: Caroline Carrington, Marie Shields and driver Madeline Kelly.

Not thick ice, sub-zero temperatures, or even the bitter winds of the cold snap that began just before Christmas stopped the "Meals on Wheels" teams from delivering to houses, the organisers, the executive of St. Dominic's Community Council have proudly reported this week.

"In spite of quite difficult road conditions on the rural roads, the kitchen team reported each morning on time," Jim Prendergast, of the Community Council revealed to the Westmeath Examiner this week.

In common with many homes in Mullingar, the Community Council found itself contending with frozen water pipes at St. Dominic's Community Centre on a number of mornings - but the rapid response provided by Bill Collentine's staff, and the actions of the kitchen team, ensured that water supplies were restored, and meals ready for the drivers as they faced into the difficult task of delivery.

"It was remarkable how dedicated these drivers are and thanks to their great efforts hot meals were delivered on time each day," says Jim, adding that the importance of continuing the service right through the cold spell was twofold: "Firstly each recipient got a hot dinner and secondly but equally important was the visit by the driver and the few words of encouragement to the people who otherwise may have felt quite isolated," he said.

Mr. Prendergast added that along with the great work of the staff and drivers, the service had received a number of calls from people who own 4x4 vehicles, offering to help with deliveries if conditions worsened, but happily, that didn't happen.

"As we know the 'Meals on Wheels' service cannot function without strong financial support," said Mr. Prendergast. "The finance comes from three sources: a grant from the H.S.E., a charge from the recipient, and finally support from the people of Mullingar.

"There are two collections each year the first is the church gate collection on the third weekend of April, the second is the Mullingar Town collection" on the second Friday of October. These collections are very well supported thanks to the generosity of the people of Mullingar and its environs.

"In addition we get numerous personal donations, which are quite generous as well as support from other voluntary groups in the area."

Although the "Meals on Wheels" is the major service provided by St. Dominic's Community Council, the council also provides flats for the elderly and facilitate the provision two other vital services - the home alarm panic button, and the chiropody service available at St. Mary's Day Care Centre. At present there is a limit to the number of grants available for the personal alarms so that grants are awarded to those most in need.

However, this doesn't mean families can't obtain an alarm and pay for it when they are in a position to do so. The alarm costs €350 however €50 of this covers the first year's monitoring.

"Access to all our services is secured mainly through the community care team of the H.S.E. on the recommendations of the Public Health Nursing Service," explains Mr. Prendergast.

He pointed out that as people live longer and have aspirations to live an independent life at home for as long as possible demands on services provided by organizations such as St. Dominic's Community Council will increase.