Australia’s food icon, Maggie Beer, may be leading an ambitious world first social experiment to transform the meals and dining experience at an aged care home, but on a local level, dedicated volunteers at Meals on Wheels are also doing their part for client nutrition and social interaction.
The incredible dedication of these volunteers and the difference that a nutritional meal delivered with a friendly smile and a chat can make will be celebrated on National Meals on Wheels Day on 28 August.
Bundaberg Meals on Wheels president Ron Purkis said a management committee of eight volunteers met each month to ensure that the service continued to run like a well-oiled machine by the experience staff in both the office and the kitchen.
“With over 800 clients on our books, the service is very busy producing both hot meals that include soups or chilled meals including salads, desserts and sandwiches for delivery by our volunteer drivers,” Mr Purkis said.
“We also now have a breakfast box that contains enough content for clients to be able to have a biscuit and a drink (tea/coffee/juice) as well as breakfast, so really it becomes breakfast and morning tea for the one cost.”
Mr Purkis highlighted that without the volunteers, Bundaberg Meals on Wheels would not be able to service such a large client base.
“We are forever grateful to them for their continued support.
“Bundaberg Meals on Wheels even has volunteers who see that the gardens provide fresh vegetables to compliment the meals provided in the kitchen and these vegetables vary according to the seasons.
“Volunteers for Meals on Wheels are more than just a meal delivery person. Clients look forward to our volunteers delivering their meals to them.
“Our drivers are also making sure they are in good health, so that is why more than just a meal is Meals on Wheels’ slogan.”
Given the increase in clients, Bundaberg Meals on Wheels has found it necessary to enlarge their kitchen.
Unfortunately, this has caused a problem with their electricity supply which needs to be upgraded, so they are hoping to hear from Ergon Energy in the near future in order to complete the extensions.
In the meantime, to celebrate National Meals on Wheels Day, the community can show their support for the local service and order meals by phoning 4151 5825 or emailing orders to info@bmow.com.au
If anyone is interested in volunteering, they can pop in to the Bundaberg Meals on Wheels office at 10 Eastgate Street Bundaberg East from Monday to Friday 7.30am – 3pm to grab some paperwork and have a chat.
“Come and see the staff at Bundaberg Meals on Wheels, they will show you the operation of Bundaberg Meals on Wheels, you will be surprised.”
