Celebrating 35 Years of Service: Darlene Smith’s Lasting Impact on Community Care
KAWARTHA LAKES, ON – As National Volunteer Week approaches (April 27 to May 3), and as Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes (CCCKL) marks its 40th anniversary this year, one long-serving volunteer is being recognized for an incredible milestone. Darlene Smith, who recently retired from her volunteer role, dedicated 35 years of service to the community through CCCKL programs such as Meals on Wheels, Diners Club, and Friendly Visiting.
Darlene’s journey with CCCKL began nearly at the organization’s inception. Inspired by a family culture of volunteering, she began her dedicating her time to CCCKL shortly after moving to Burnt River. “Volunteering was just something I grew up with,” Smith said.
One pivotal moment came during a Women’s Institute meeting when a member expressed the wish for her mother to have access to a hot meal at lunchtime. That conversation sparked the creation of the Meals on Wheels program in Burnt River, which Darlene helped launch. “We started small—just six people receiving meals—but it quickly grew to serve the entire area, reaching Norland, Kinmount, and near Fenelon Falls,” she recalled.
What began as a grassroots initiative, with volunteers cooking meals at the Burnt River Recreation Centre, evolved into a lifeline for seniors across the region—with Darlene Smith at its heart for decades.
For Smith, volunteering meant more than delivering food; it was about connecting with the people she met. “We were providing more than just a meal; we were offering a moment of human connection,” she explained. Many of the individuals she prepared meals for lived alone, and they cherished the opportunity to connect during meal deliveries.
She also played a key role in the Diners Club program, offering seniors a chance to gather over a shared 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,” she said. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Burnt River kitchen served nearly 90 people, thanks in part to Smith’s leadership and involvement.
Throughout her 35 years, Smith emphasized that collaboration and community spirit made her role as a volunteer so rewarding. “We all worked together. Everyone knew how to do a little bit of everything. If someone wasn’t there, someone else could step in,” she shared.
The Meals on Wheels team wasn’t just efficient—it was joyful. “There was always a lot of laughter in the kitchen. We always said our food tasted so good because it was flavoured with laughter.”
Her dedication to volunteering didn’t stop with her. Darlene passed down the spirit of service to her own children and grandchildren, who have 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.”
When asked for advice for those considering volunteering, Smith didn’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.”
As Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, the organization continues to recognize the lasting impact of volunteers like Darlene Smith. Her decades-long commitment helped shape programs that remain vital to the well-being of local residents. Darlene’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference one individual can make in the lives of many.
For more information about Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes or to learn how to get involved in volunteering, visit www.ccckl.ca/volunteer or call 705-324-7323 ext. 466.
About Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes
CCCKL offers over 40 programs and services that are designed to build healthy communities through care and support. We offer food and nutrition programs, senior and caregiver support, wellness programs, health and dental services, hospice services, transportation services, and more. As a volunteer-driven organization, CCCKL relies on a strong network of volunteers and donors to continue its mission of care. We are supported by more than 300 active volunteers that are crucial in delivering programs and services for clients in Kawartha Lakes.
Associated Links:
Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes Website
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For more information:
Amanda Poirier
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes
705-324-7323 ext. 167
