04/23/2026
Driving the Extra Mile - Something to Celebrate
Charlotte Magasi first started volunteering for Meals on Wheels of Fredericton in April of 1976. Over the years she has taken occasional breaks from her volunteering role due to career demands, but her commitment has remained strong. Currently, fifty years later, she is still driving a regular weekly route, and we think that’s something to celebrate!
Charlotte first heard of MOW through a friend of a friend when meals were being delivered from St. Paul’s United Church. Although she could not drive at the time because she did not yet have her license, the idea of the MOW mandate, delivering meals to people in need and having contact with people in their own homes, appealed to Charlotte. She felt it was an excellent service and, once she learned to drive, a volunteer commitment she could easily fulfill, so she signed up.
After 50 years, Charlotte continues to enjoy serving the people on her route, although there is of course a continuous turnover. “You develop a relationship with them, and care about their well-being.” Although drivers do not have a lot of time to chat at the door, she always has a brief exchange with each client. They are “so pleased to see you and are often eager to share little stories of their lives.” The genuine appreciation shown by the clients and knowing she is making a positive difference in their lives is personally satisfying to Charlotte.
Following his retirement, Charlotte’s husband Laszlo joined her in her deliveries, and continued to do so until his passing in 2024. Now she once again delivers on her own, although she is finding it a bit harder in recent years, especially in the winter.
In addition to being a weekly driver, Charlotte has served as a member and secretary of the Board of Directors. Betty Daniels, current Executive Director of MOW, expresses appreciation for Charlotte’s contribution to MOW.
“Charlotte has been an invaluable member of our Board of Directors, offering her thoughtful insight, raising important considerations, and contributing her expertise to the stewardship of our organization. She was a part of the important decision we made to open our own kitchen. Charlotte’s care and kindness have extended to staff as well, including myself and the Executive Directors who came before me. John Carty remembers her kindness and how pleasant she was. She has been a constant source of encouragement to me, always taking the time to check in and offer support when it was needed most.”
Charlotte would encourage others to get involved with MOW. The commitment is manageable and flexible, and the “work” is very satisfying.
Betty Daniels sums up the enormous value of Charlotte’s contribution this way:
“Charlotte’s selfless devotion to Meals on Wheels over the past 50 years is truly an inspiration to us all. The impact she has made on so many lives is immeasurable—from the thousands of meals she has delivered with those meaningful greetings and genuine conversations she has shared with our clients along the way. Through every change and challenge, Charlotte has remained a steady and dedicated presence, becoming an integral part of the very fabric of Meals on Wheels. Her passion, decades of service, and her kindness continue to inspire us all to care more deeply.”
Volunteering for Meals on Wheels Fredericton has been a very positive and rewarding experience for Charlotte Magasi. We thank Charlotte for her 50 years of service!
