The continuing dedicated efforts of Eurobodalla Meals on Wheels volunteers will be celebrated as part of National Meals on Wheels Day on Wednesday 29 August.
“Eurobodalla Melas on Wheels volunteers will be thanked at a special function on Tuesday September 4th at Moruya Jockey Club Members Lounge,” said President Phil Armstrong. “We feel it is important to thank and celebrate the work of our team.”
The inspiring team at Eurobodalla Melas on Wheels help make up Meals on Wheels’ 76,000 strong volunteer network, which is spread across 600 grass roots organisations that have nourished their local communities for 65 years.
“You get more than just a meal from Meals on Wheels” said Australian Meals on Wheels Association (AMOWA) President Sharyn Broer. “Our fantastic volunteers take the time to say hello and make sure you’re okay. A hearty meal warms the tummy, but a simple chat can warm the soul”.
Support from local Meals on Wheels services makes a real difference in improving health outcomes while reducing health and aged care costs. As well as delivering tasty and nourishing meals that are designed to meet the nutritional needs of older people, Meals on Wheels volunteers bring a dose of companionship and human connection, and peace of mind for clients and their families.
Today, on National Meals on Wheels Day, and every week day, volunteers will help to produce, prepare, select and pack more than 35,000 meals across Australia. Together, Australian Meals on Wheels volunteers make around 10 million house calls each year, making sure that clients are safe and well, and brightening the day for more than 120,000 people who need a little bit of support.
“Our amazing and inspiring volunteers are the backbone of Meals on Wheels” said Mrs Broer. “They form part of a caring community that is one of the most gratifying volunteer programs in the world.
Above: Volunteers Heather and Angela
Across Australia our production kitchens are fun and friendly places to work, where you can get to know other people from the local area, share skills and expertise and learn new ones. Our thousands of delivery teams love meeting, sharing stories and forming bonds with the people they visit. Brightening someone else’s day brightens their day too”.
“Many people underestimate the value of this. And today, on National Meals on Wheels Day, we celebrate our Volunteers but also appeal for more volunteers to join our teams. If you have a few hours to spare to deliver meals or lend a helping hand in packing meals, and make a huge impact in your community, we would love to hear from you.”
“Meals on Wheels services across Australia are planning local celebrations to recognise, pay tribute and congratulate our volunteers whose commitment and support is immeasurable. In the Eurobodalla the annual gathering will be a High tea this year,” says Manager Alan Russell. “We hope that most of our 150 volunteers will be able to join us again this year.”
“Living at home independently and healthily is precious. Meals on Wheels services have assisted generations of Australians for 65 years, and will continue to do so for many more”.
“Eurobodalla Meals on Wheels employs 5 staff, has over 150 volunteers and provides a meals service for over 200 people. We are very proud of our volunteers and the kindnesses they bring to the people they visit. I am often hearing about the bright smiles and helpfulness of our volunteers,” said Mr Russell.
“But Eurobodalla Meals on Wheels is more than just a meal. We offer Groups Social Support and Individual Social Support services to people throughout the Shire,” said Mr Russell. “Our Group Social Support operates over three days and reduces social isolation and loneliness. People are able to mix with others, enjoy fun and outings and they especially like our Tuesday Lunch About programme.”
“Other people benefit from having a volunteer visiting, taking them shopping or to an appointment or doing some light gardening work for them. Again, the interaction and companionship are vital to the wellbeing of people,” said Mr Russell. “This why the volunteers and staff of Eurobodalla Meals on Wheels are regarded as highly committed community minded people.”
“If you wish to volunteer or know someone who might need Meals on Wheels, please contact me at our office in Moruya on 4474 4464,” said Mr Russell. “We will provide the support for the person needing meals and fun and enjoyment for you as a volunteer.”
