It’s never too early to get involved with Meals on Wheels, as brothers Simon and Eric Yam demonstrate. Elder brother Simon, 17, has already been volunteering with the program for five years. Eric, 14, has been involved for three. Both volunteer as runners with Meals on Wheels on a weekly basis.

The brothers’ dedication to the program comes out of a fully developed sense of civic responsibility.

“It’s good for the community, good for seniors, good for people that need help,” explains Eric, who says both he and Simon can often be found around St. Christopher House volunteering in other capacities as well. Simon agrees – “People need help, so why not. There’s a need for it. I’m available Sundays. People need help, it’s karma, I’m sure if I help, someone will help me.”

Not that it’s all stiff-upper-lipped duty and seriousness: “It’s fun too,” says Eric, “better than sitting around playing video games like most kids.”

The hands-on aspect is what has drawn Simon to the program for so many years. “I like to know that what I’m doing is actually having an effect, having a result. I get to see what benefits of whatever I do, how it’s helping.”

Longtime residents of the Bathurst and Bloor area, both brothers agree their involvement has also helped get to know their community better. They also both wish more people their age would get involved.

“From our high school, there’s about 2% of the people who volunteer on a daily basis,” says Simon, “so, we can always do better, youth have to get involved.”