Today we shine a well-deserved spotlight on National Meals on Wheels Day. Throughout their 65 years, the iconic Meals on Wheels service supports the health and well-being of over 200,000 older Australians every year and is an essential and unique service unlike any other.
This year’s theme celebrates Meals on Wheels volunteers and recognises the integral role they play in providing nourishing meals and assisting in keeping older Australians connected to their community.
The president of Meals on Wheels Australia, Sharyn Broer, often hears of the impact their service makes on the people they serve and understands that “meaningful volunteering also has a direct benefit to our wellbeing and sense of belonging.”
Meals on Wheels volunteers appreciate the dual social connection benefits. A volunteer couple who look forward to their weekly rounds to drop in on their regulars said, “They have become more than clients but friends. Knowing you are brightening someone else’s day is the best part of our day.”
The benefits of Meals on Wheels also extend to the recipients of their services. A client said, “Volunteers virtually saved my life. It means so much to know that they were there for me and took the time to make me feel valued. Those couple of minutes made a huge difference to my life.”
A special thank you to the 45,000 Meals on Wheels volunteers who contribute to a shared purpose to support older Australians to remain independent, connected, and valued.
To find out more about volunteering for Meals on Wheels, visit https://mealsonwheels.org.au/get-involved/volunteer/
