Past and present volunteers and staff of the Capalaba District Meals on Wheels are invited to join in the celebrations for the organisation’s 40th birthday.
Capalaba Meals on Wheels delivered its first meals on March 8, 1976.
At that time the meals were prepared in private kitchens.
Now three part-time staff members work with about 70 volunteers to provide between 80 and 100 three-course meals every day from a purpose built kitchen in Capalaba.
The food is cooked every day from about 7.30am and delivered by lunchtime.
Recipients receive a soup or side salad, main meal and dessert together with a juice for $8 a day.
The area serviced by Capalaba Meals on Wheels is the largest in the metropolitan area and includes Capalaba, Alexandra Hills, Birkdale, Thorneside, Sheldon, Mount Cotton, Gumdale, Belmont and Tingalpa.
Joy Bonney, who has been a volunteer since the first meeting to establish the organisation in late 1975, said the deliveries are made to anyone who is not able to cook themselves a hot meal.
Recipients are mostly elderly and there is a government assessment process that is required.
“We also have some young people who are unable to cook and some people get meals temporarily, such as if they have just come out of hospital,” Mrs Bonney said.
The organisation also delivers meals to Step Forward respite service for people with disability in Alexandra Hills.
Anyone able to volunteer for Capalaba Meals on Wheels is asked to contact the organisation.
A petrol voucher is provided to volunteers who deliver meals to subsidise costs.
Volunteer and committee member Barbara Kettley said Meals on Wheels provides an opportunity for people who retire to do volunteer work.
Present and past volunteers and staff are invited to a celebratory lunch at Mt Cotton Rainforest Gardens on April 16.
The organisation is also recognising volunteers and staff members who have passed away by placing their names on a memorial board on the wall of the Capalaba District Meals on Wheels building.
If you know of any volunteers or staff members who have passed away, the organisation would appreciate having their details.
Bookings are required by April 2 for the birthday lunch, which costs $10 per person.
For more information and to book for the luncheon, phone 3390 3450 or email mowcap@bigpond.com
