Volunteers celebrated on National Meals on Wheels Day

More than 30 City of Parramatta volunteers will be recognised for their contribution to the community as part of National Meals on Wheels Day celebrations this week.

Volunteers in Parramatta were on the road delivering meal runs from 27-28 August to coincide with National Meals on Wheels Day.

City of Parramatta chief executive officer Gail Connolly PSM said volunteers are the backbone of the community.

“For seniors and people living with disabilities, this service goes beyond a weekly meal delivery and fosters stronger relationships in our community,” Ms Connolly said.

“In the last financial year, our volunteers have dedicated more than 3,100 hours and delivered about 28,000 meals across the City.

“This day celebrates all the hard work and dedication volunteers provide in our community.”

There are about 35,000 Meals on Wheels volunteers across Australia, with the service providing a meaningful opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and feel good about making a real and tangible difference in their local community.

Chair of Meals on Wheels™ Australia, Paul Sadler said Meals on Wheels has and always will be “more than a meal”, going deeper in combating social isolation and malnutrition - two prevalent public health issues faced by older Australians.

“The positive impact of Meals on Wheels goes beyond the delivery of the meal itself,” Mr Sadler said.

“The dual benefit to both customer and volunteer truly shows how Meals on Wheels has been making a difference in almost every Australian community for over 70 years.”

After retiring in 2016, Parramatta local and Meals on Wheels driver, Sandra Bryant wanted to do more meaningful things with her time and said she has met many wonderful individuals throughout the years as a volunteer.

“Volunteering is much more than providing a service. For me it serves a bigger purpose where I get to make someone’s day and meet others who are passionate in helping the community,” Ms Bryant said.

“Throughout the years, I’ve enjoyed the friendships I’ve made and conversations where we share recipes and fashion tips. I’ve also been able to maintain my driving skills as a volunteer driver.”

Sandra will join the other local volunteers for the meal runs and looking forward to celebrating her achievements with her peers.

Morning teas will be offered to City of Parramatta Meals on Wheels volunteers to celebrate all their hard work after their meal runs are completed on each of the days.

To become a volunteer for Meals on Wheels or other community services,  visit Council’s website.