MEALS on Wheels treasures its volunteers who provide more than just a meal delivery service.
Speaking on National Meals on Wheels Day on August 31, president of Meals on Wheels Cleveland Val Lovett said volunteers were a crucial part of their organisation.
“Without our volunteers we would close our doors, literally,” she said.
Ms Lovett said volunteers developed a friendship with the people who received the food.
“We provide a service that is so much more than a meal.
“We might be the only people that some clients will see all day,” she said.
At 103 years old their eldest client Mary Boland was still able to live independently because help from Meals on Wheels.
Meals on Wheels Cleveland have delivered over 22,700 meals over the past year.
They have about 200 volunteers who assist to put together and deliver the meals to about 70 clients.
“Some people get meals every day. Some every few days. Some get frozen meals on a Friday for the weekend,” Ms Lovett said.
The recipients of the meals are mostly elderly, but people with disabilities or those who need short-term assistance can also get subsidies for Meals on Wheels.
“We supply anyone who is unable to cook for themselves,” Ms Lovett said.
The organisation is currently celebrating its 47th year in operation in Cleveland.
From October Meals on Wheels Cleveland will also offer smaller meals, fresh sandwiches and a breakfast pack.
For more information on receiving meals or becoming a volunteer for Meals on Wheels anyone in Queensland visit www.qmow.org or phone 1300 909 790
Meals on Wheels Cleveland can be contacted on 3286 2626.
