General News
12 September, 2020
Volunteers recognised for resilience during COVID
NATIONAL Meals on Wheels Day was held last month, the day recognised the dedicated volunteer force who stepped up to help protect the health and wellbeing of vulnerable Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NATIONAL Meals on Wheels Day was held last month, the day recognised the dedicated volunteer force who stepped up to help protect the health and wellbeing of vulnerable Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With many of the Meals on Wheels volunteers being in the high risk age bracket for COVID-19, younger volunteers had to step up and support their communities.
During the COVID-19 pan- demic the Federal Government provided vital additional funding which allowed Meals on Wheels services to continue delivering their meals to an increased number of vulnerable Australians.
The Mareeba Meals on Wheels experienced a huge influx of clients during this period with 10 new clients which is a significant increase for such a small operation.
President of the Mareeba Meals on Wheels Patricia Goldfinch said that they managed well during the lockdown period.
“For a small organisation like us getting 10 new clients was a significant increase,” she said.
“We had some volunteers step away for their health during the period so at the moment we are still looking for more volunteers.
“I consider us to be an essential service so within that period we were able to ensure that our aged residents were still receiving their meals.”
Meals on Wheels Australia President Sharyn Broer said that the organisation is incredibly grateful for the unwavering commitment and generosity of its volunteers.
“We are so thankful for our volunteers, regardless of the emergency – devastating bushfires or in a pandemic, our volunteers continue to roll up their sleeves and deliver life changing support,” she said.
