For more than 60 years Australians have been celebrating the volunteers and council-run programs that deliver meals to elderly and housebound people everywhere, from far-flung farms to inner city high-rises.
Last week, Whittlesea council joined about 700 other Meals on Wheels service providers around the nation to thank almost 80,000 volunteers who are the mainstay of the service and a lifeline for people who are housebound.
One of the volunteers is Shirley Louie, who delivered her first food packages in the Whittlesea area six months ago.
She now delivers meals fortnightly to frail and elderly people, to those with disabilities or others who have recently been discharged from hospital.
“What I cherish is the smile on their faces when I deliver their meals,” said Ms Louie.
But there is a shortage of volunteers.
“We’re juggling and struggling,” said Meals on Wheels Whittlesea spokeswoman Jenni Carruther.
Meals on Wheels Whittlesea delivers about 600 meals a week, a function that serves to check on people who are isolated.
“Most of our clients live isolated lives so that a volunteer calling might be the only person they see all day,” Ms Carruther said.
Meals on Wheels Whittlesea is always on the lookout for new volunteers who can contribute just a few hours a fortnight.
The service employs four staff and has 48 volunteers. To volunteer at Whittlesea, call Catherine Neil on 9463 0924.
