Meals on Wheels London’s Best-Kept Secret: Wheels for Wellness Transportation Services 

Did you know that Meals on Wheels London offers more than just meal delivery? Many people we meet at fairs and events are surprised to learn about our Wheels for Wellness program, which is a dedicated transportation service that helps seniors and individuals with disabilities get to important wellness-related appointments. Whether it’s a trip to the doctor, or a physiotherapy session, a fitness class, or even a haircut, Wheels for Wellness provides safe and affordable, round-trip rides that help our clients stay healthy, independent, and connected to their community. 

For many of London’s seniors and neighbours living with disabilities, getting to essential appointments isn’t as simple as hopping in the car. Public transportation can be overwhelming and not always reliable, especially for those with mobility challenges. In fact, the London Transit Commision’s Voice of the Customer survey reported low to average satisfaction in key areas like on-time performance and frequency of service, both of which were identified as high-priority areas for improvement. This reinforces what many of our clients already experience firsthand: getting to a medical or wellness appointment isn’t always easy. Access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation empowers people to attend appointments and community programs that support their health, independence, and quality of life. It’s about maintaining dignity and staying connected to the community.  

The cost of a round-trip ride with Wheels for Wellness is $24 and subsidy may be available based on income to help reduce the cost in which rides could be as low as $17.  

To help us coordinate schedules, we suggest booking a ride a week in advance, but please reach out if you have an appointment sooner than that. We are able to accommodate appointments up to 3 hours, with flexibility for longer depending on the situation.

Our clients rely on the Wheels for Wellness program not just for transportation, but for independence, dignity, and connection. As one client shared, “The transportation program is wonderful. The volunteers are a very special group of people. I feel very lucky to use this service.” For many, it’s more than just a ride, it’s a lifeline. “You are my lifeline. As a low-income earner, I don’t know what I’d do if I lost my subsidies for meals and transportation,” said another. These clients’ stories reflect on the vital impact of this program and the volunteers who make it possible.

As the need for reliable, affordable transportation continues to grow, so does the impact of our Wheels for Wellness program, and we can’t do it without your help. If you have a few hours to spare, consider becoming a volunteer driver and helping a neighbour get to a much-needed appointment. Check out www.mowl.ca/volunteer to get involved. If driving isn’t for you, a donation of any amount helps us keep rides affordable for those who need them most – www.mowl.ca/donate. And if you know a senior or a neighbour living with a disability who might benefit from the service, please share this program with them.

Together, we can keep our community connected, healthy, and supported, one ride at a time.