Not all heroes wear capes

A group of seemingly ordinary citizens is doing the extraordinary by unwittingly touching many lives through their selfless acts of volunteering.

As part of National Volunteers Week, CBCity is saying thank you to its volunteers who give their time to deliver essential services to those in the community who need it most.

Today (Wednesday), Canterbury-Bankstown will be hosting its 55th Canterbury-Bankstown Meals on Wheels Volunteer Awards, where more than 40 people will be acknowledged for their service.

“This is a fantastic achievement by members of our community who put others first,” said Mayor Khal Asfour.

“Those we are honouring today have racked up an incredible 610 years of service for volunteering between them. These volunteers are our everyday heroes, and just remember not all heroes wear capes.”

Among those volunteers is Luisa Zanet, who is receiving an award for 20 years of service.

The 79-year-old Georges Hall grandmother is a Meals on Wheels volunteer with her granddaughter Kayla Kristen.

“You try to help others because maybe one day I might need it for myself,” Ms Zanet said.

“I love it… The meal recipients always say thank you very much and really appreciate it, they really do, and some even give me a hug. I feel really good.”

The intergenerational team are linked together by the strong bond between grandmother, daughter and granddaughter, after Ms Kristen’s “Nonna” introduced them to volunteering.

“I have learnt the world is so much greater than my own 'bubble',” Ms Kristen said.

“Rather than just focusing on myself, giving of our time and resources in volunteering is truly fulfilling work, particularly to those that are homebound and lonely, through the wonderful service of Meals on Wheels.

“Such a service, built around compassionate care for those in our local community, really captures what family is all about: putting others before ourselves.”

Mayor Asfour said he was proud of all the City’s volunteers and encouraged more people to consider giving back to help others in the community.

“We have so many volunteering opportunities to help others and I urge you all to volunteer, as we say thanks to those who help make our community better in big and small ways,” Mayor Asfour said.

See more volunteering opportunities and sign up at cb.city/volunteer