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Meals on Wheels does exactly what the name suggests – delivers delicious meals to the elderly around the Wagga region.
However, in practice the service is far more important than simply delivering a meal.
Volunteer and committee member Malcolm Tucker started with the organisation in 2011 after retiring.
“My friend said I might be interested so I went along to a meeting and that was it,” he said.
“It’s very rewarding and enjoyable.
“It’s not an onerous task by any means. There are quite a few volunteers so the workload is spread and well scheduled so you don't end up doing it too much.”
While the main part of the job is delivering meals the volunteers also chat to those receiving meals.
“Sometimes your the only person they speak to,” Mr Tucker said.
“It’s good to see someone, pop in and say ‘hello how are you’.”
If anything doesn’t seem right or if the person they’re delivering to appears to be struggling the volunteers report it back to the manager who ensures their welfare is looked after.
This feature is supported by:
- Wagga Meals on Wheels
The Wagga Meals on Wheels delivers more than 35,000 meals a year with almost 100 volunteers keeping the service operating smoothly.
The team is being celebrated as part of Meals on Wheels Day on Wednesday August 29.
“We’re recognising the valuable contribution of a special group of volunteers by presenting special appreciation awards,” Wagga Meals on Wheels manager Julie Logan said.
“Members of this group are often called in on short notice to fill in for a rostered person who is not able to deliver meals, due to illness or an unexpected event.
“While we appreciate the selfless contribution of all 90 of our volunteers this group happily give their time, often each week, to nourish our local community.”
To get involved with Meals and Wheels in Wagga contact the office for more information on 69212205, waggamow@bigpond.com or www.waggamealsonwheels.com. Anyone of any age is welcome to experience volunteering.