While rain swept down, bringing some welcome sustenance to a dry Inverell area, Meals on Wheels celebrated the dedication of their volunteers last Thursday.
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These volunteers bring nourishment to between 70 to 80 individuals and provide day centre meals. It’s not only food they provide.
Margaret Lenord is the manager/co-ordinator for the Inverell Meals on Wheels and explained that delivering food also meant keeping connected.
“How we advertise it is that it’s more than just a meal, because it’s people going in and making sure that the clients not only get a hot meal, but that they’re ok at lunchtime.”
Recognised with certificates of appreciation on the day were individuals who have collectively given over 200 years of service.
Janet Hobson and Jan Ticehurst have given 35 years of service, Anna Morse and Bev Hoynes, 25 years, Glenda Browning, 20 years, Lyn Schliebs and Beth McNeil both 15 years, Val McMahon and Helen Loveday have given 14 years and Wendy Limberg has been involved for 10 years.
Inverell mayor Paul Harmon was present on the day and had great praise for the efforts of all the volunteers.
He shared the fact his grandmother was a recipient of the service and said it was volunteering on an impressive scale.
“It provides (a structure) for those members of the community that are less fortunate and can’t actually care for themselves, and it’s not only that food delivery; it’s that smiling face and they have a chat with those people that deliver the meals,” Mr Harmon said. “And certainly without this organisation, a council or government body would not be able to provide the service that they actually provide.”
He said the Inverell community has a proud history of assisting and volunteering its residents.
“That’s evident today in the number of years that people have been volunteering. It’s amazing the commitment that people actually give.”
Margaret said they have a very dedicated staff of volunteers but always welcome more for meal delivery, serving and kitchen help.
She said they were set for chefs with valuable cooks in place, including work-for-the-dole cooks who were a great asset.
“There’s never enough, because volunteers have lives of their own.
“They go on holidays, they get sick, the usual things, so we really need more people, especially people on an emergency list,” she said.
“Some of the people who are coming on are doing it once a week which is just fantastic.
“Whatever time people can give us, we’re happy with.”
For more information on volunteering or setting up a meal service, phone Meals on Wheels at 6722 1951.
