THE Nowra-Bomaderry Meals on Wheels branch delivers more than just food.
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The group’s army of volunteers delivers friendship and care and has been doing so for 50-years.
Volunteers, their clients and special guests all sat down together on Wednesday August 30 at the Bomaderry Bowling Club to celebrate the group’s 50th anniversary.
Yadida Sekel and Adrienne Blue are proud volunteers.
Mrs Sekel got involved seven years-ago and was inspired by a family member.
“My mother when I was a child did Meals on Wheels and we used to go together in the school holidays,” she said.
“When I lived in Perth I did Meals and Wheels there and when I came to Nowra it (becoming a Meals on Wheels volunteer) was a natural thing to do.
Adrienne has been volunteer for 14-years and it was something she always wanted to do.
“I always thought that when I retired the first group I would volunteer for would be Meals on Wheels and it was,” she said.
Both volunteers say being with Meals on Wheels is rewarding.
Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock joined in the celebrations and sat next to Federal Member for Gilmore Ann Sudmalis.
“Everyone has heard of Meals and Wheels and the essential service they provide to seniors, people with a disability and their carers, allowing them to stay in their homes and maintain their independence,” Mrs Hancock said.
“Each week the organisation prepares wholesome meals and delivers them right to the doorsteps of the vulnerable members of our community.
“However, the service is far more than just a meal and offers its clients a reprieve from the isolation and an opportunity for social interaction, including the occasional excursion.”
Currently the Nowra-Bomaderry branch of Meals on Wheels services between 100- 110 clients every week.
Meals are now provided in partnership with three different companies who deliver them frozen, they are then prepped by the Meals on Wheels team and delivered to clients.
“It is quite and extensive operation that requires considerable coordination and the dedication of more than 40 local volunteers.,” Mrs Hancock said.
“I applaud the commitment of each and every one.
“Meals on Wheels is the epitome of community spirit and highlights our community’s willingness to pull together and make sure no-one is left behind, and they have been doing it seven days a week for 50 years.”
Contact 4423 2444 for more information on the Nowra-Bomaderry Meals on Wheels.
Local Meals on Wheels history
From 1967, home cooked meals were distributed from the school of arts in Nowra.
A year later, the CWA and council took over and officially incorporated the Nowra and Bomaderry MoW service.
In 1972 the Shoalhaven Hospital offered to cook meals three days a week.
This quickly increased to five days a week and was augmented by meals from the Private Hospital, Osborne House and the RSL.
Click below for the full story.
Meals on Wheels quick bites
From its inception over 60 years ago, Meals on Wheels NSW has grown to become a driving force of care in the community.
In the course of a year, over 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.
Of these, about 4.5 million meals are delivered by 35,000 volunteers in NSW each year.