The Annual Meals on Wheels 5k Run/Walk Opens Registration

This year the Older Persons’ Commission (OPC) offers two ways to participate in the 15^th annual 5K Run/Walk for Meals on Wheels. The race will take place as both an in-person event on Saturday, June 5 as well as virtually throughout the entire month of June.

Whether participants choose to walk or run in person, or log their miles throughout the month on their own time and at their own pace, everyone is encouraged to participate and help raise awareness and critical funds for this essential service.

 “I love running the OPC’s 5K because it benefits the very program that I help out by being a volunteer – Meals on Wheels,” said Al Fisk, long time participant and supporter. “Delivering food to some pretty awesome seniors is so crucial as a wellness check and, in some cases, the only human interaction that person will have all day. Since I run regularly, I’m pleased that I’m often in the top 5 in my age group, and even finished 2nd a couple years back. Whether done in person or virtually, this event is well worth everybody’s participation. You can even walk.”

OPC’s Meals on Wheels serves all of Northeastern Oakland County, and with the challenges of the last year, demand for the service has increased dramatically. In response to more seniors staying home, Meals on Wheels continued daily delivery of hot, nutritionally balanced meals to existing clients, and also responded to increased demand, fulfilling new and temporary requests, typically within 24 hours. From a pre-pandemic level of 875 meals per week, OPC’s Nutrition Department is now providing, on average, 1,715 home delivered meals per week. Every $5 donated makes it possible to deliver a meal to a senior in need.

For those attending the 5K on Saturday, June 5, the race will start at 8:00 a.m. at the OPC, travel along the Clinton River Trail, and finish at the OPC. Appropriate social distancing and necessary safety protocols will be in place.

Registration is open and the form can be downloaded to participate. The entry fee is $25 before May 12, and all those who sign up by June 1 will receive an event t-shirt. For more information, contact Colleen Burtka at cburtka@opcseniorcenter.org or 248-659-1034.