Meet Meals on Wheels Program Assistant, Emma Burke

Growing up in the Ashby area, Emma is a second-year student in the Practical Nursing program at the Nova Scotia Community College Marconi Campus.

Emma is passionate about nutrition and healthy eating. Being able to help people with their nutrition as well as their health and illness is what influenced Emma’s decision to study to be a Practical Nurse.

“I watched my mom [a nurse] growing up,” says Emma. “Nutrition and exercise were always prominent which inspired me to choose my career path.”

In her role as Meals on Wheels Program Assistant, Emma has been working on developing a fully functioning database system for the division, organizing community and donation events, providing volunteer orientations, and delivering meals to those in our community who cannot prepare them on their own.

“It is an amazing feeling to be able to work behind the scenes, however, getting to meet some of our clients and see Meals on Wheels from their point of view has shown me first-hand the difference the program makes throughout the Cape Breton community.”

Through her summer employment at Meals on Wheels, Emma has gained new skills related to software and programming, as well as built friendships with New Dawn staff, volunteers, and Meals on Wheels clients.

“I chose to work at Meals on Wheels because I love to help seniors and give back to the community,” says Emma. “As the Meals on Wheels Program Assistant, that is exactly what I get to do every day when I come into work.”