Celebrating 35 Years of Service: Darlene Smith’s Lasting Impact on Community Care
April 14, 2025
KAWARTHA LAKES, ON – As National Volunteer Week approaches from April 27 to May 3, and with Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes (CCCKL) celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, we are proud to recognize a volunteer whose dedication has supported the community for over three decades. Darlene Smith, who has now retired from volunteering with CCCKL, has given 35 years of service to the community, touching countless lives through programs such as Meals on Wheels, Diners Club, and Friendly Visiting.
Darlene’s journey with Community Care began almost at CCCKL’s inception. Growing up in a family that valued volunteering, she was inspired to get involved when she moved to Burnt River. “Volunteering was just something I grew up with,” Darlene explains. It wasn’t long before Darlene became a key figure in the creation of the Meals on Wheels program in Burnt River, an initiative sparked by a simple conversation at a Women’s Institute meeting. One of the members at this meeting mentioned how she wished her mom had a way to receive a hot meal at lunchtime.
“We started small,” Darlene recalls. “Just six people receiving meals, but it quickly grew to serve the entire area, reaching Norland, Kinmount, and near Fenelon Falls.” What began as a handful of volunteers cooking meals at the Burnt River Recreation Centre has blossomed into a lifeline for seniors across the region, with Darlene at the heart of the program for years.
More than a Meal
For Darlene, volunteering was about more than just delivering food—it was about building meaningful connections. “We were providing more than just a meal; we were offering a moment of human connection,” Darlene says. Over the years, she formed bonds with many of the people she served, offering not only a hot meal but also a friendly conversation. Many clients, who lived alone, cherished the opportunity to engage with volunteers during their meal deliveries.
Darlene also played a pivotal role in the Diners Club program, which provided seniors with a chance to socialize over a meal. “We started with a small group, and after they ate, we’d set up card tables and invite them to play cards. That’s how we got them hooked,” Darlene says. With her participation, they grew to serve over 80-90 people out of the Burnt River kitchen during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing not just food, but much-needed social interaction.
A Tradition of Volunteering
Throughout her 35 years of service, Darlene emphasized the importance of teamwork and community. “We all worked together,” she recalls. “Everyone knew how to do a little bit of everything. If someone wasn’t there, someone else could step in.” The group of volunteers made sure to make time for fun in the kitchen of course, with Darlene noting, “There was always a lot of laughter in the kitchen. We always said our food tasted so good because it was flavoured with laughter.”
Darlene’s efforts were not limited to just cooking or delivering meals; she was instrumental in organizing, planning, and drawing in new volunteers. “We had a team, and we were all in it together. If there was a decision to be made, we’d gather around the kitchen island and discuss it as a group,” Darlene explains. Her collaborative approach helped make the Meals on Wheels and Diners Club programs not only successful, but also deeply personal for those involved.
Her dedication to volunteering didn’t stop with her. Darlene passed down the spirit of service to her own children and grandchildren, who have all volunteered in various capacities. “Volunteering is a family tradition,” Darlene says. “It’s something you do, and I’m proud to see my family continue that tradition.”
Volunteering: A Lifelong Reward
When asked about her advice for those considering volunteering, Darlene doesn’t hesitate: “Just do it. If you want to meet interesting people and have fun, try volunteering. You’ll find your place, and it’s incredibly rewarding.”
For Darlene, volunteering was never just about the tasks; it was about the people she met and the friendships she formed. “Volunteering has introduced me to so many nice people,” she says. “I’ve made real friends—not just acquaintances. I think without volunteering, I would have had a boring life.”
Looking Ahead: Celebrating 40 Years of Service
As we mark the 40th anniversary of Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes, we honor the legacy of volunteers like Darlene, whose unwavering commitment has been integral to the organization’s growth and success. From her early days in Burnt River to her long-standing work with Meals on Wheels and Diners Club, Darlene’s impact has been felt across the entire community.
This National Volunteer Week, we celebrate Darlene Smith and all of the volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy to helping others. Darlene’s story is a reminder of the profound difference one person can make in the lives of many.
For more information about Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes and to learn how you can get involved in volunteering, visit www.ccckl.ca/volunteer for call us at 705-324-7323 ext. 466.