Eve Jeffery
From its beginnings more than 60 years ago, Meals on Wheels has helped make it possible for many elderly or disabled members of our community to continue living in their homes and maintain their independence.
Delivery of nutritious meals, social interaction and a friendly check of a client’s wellbeing by Meals on Wheels volunteers can help people live the lives they choose.
In the course of a year, more than 14.8 million meals are delivered by more than 78,700 volunteers to about 53,000 recipients Australia wide in cities, regional and rural areas.
The Brunswick Valley Meals on Wheels service, which operates from Monday to Friday, delivers almost 540 meals per week in the Byron Shire alone.
The service uses the the invaluable help of more than 200 volunteers, about 98 per cent of its workforce.
Meals are delivered to both centre-based programs and residences across the shire.
Food services co-ordinator for Brunswick Valley Meals on Wheels Fran Leske says that meal deliveries are not the only service provided by the group.
More than food
‘We do lots of other things for people’, says Fran.
‘We do more than just deliver food. We take clients grocery shopping, to the movies, and we have a bus outing once a month. As long as it involves a food component, even a cup of tea and a biscuit, we can be involved.’
For information on how you can become a Meals on Wheels volunteer, phone Fran Leske on 6685 1498, or to find out about services phone Colleen Rake on 6685 1066.
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