A LUNCHEON hosted by Capalaba Meals on Wheels has been held to celebrate the hard work and dedication of its volunteers.
The event on March 16 saw volunteers and special guests gather to enjoy a meal in the company of friends.
Capalaba Meals on Wheels, which celebrated its 43rd birthday this month, delivers 320 meals per week on average to customers across Capalaba, Alexandra Hills, Birkdale, Thorneside, Sheldon, Mount Cotton, Gumdale, Belmont and Tingalpa.
In January 2018, the branch celebrated the delivery of its 500,000th meal.
A Capalaba Meals on Wheels spokesperson said more than 80 volunteers regularly helped out with meal preparation and delivery.
"These wonderful people see volunteering as a way of paying it forward, our drivers and their aides love the interaction with our recipients, they get to know the clients very well and share in (their) happiness and sorrows," the spokesperson said.
"Sadly the only social interaction some of our clients experience is with the MOW staff and volunteers.
"Our kitchen staff take pride and satisfaction in preparing tasty nutritious meals and we regularly receive compliments from our clients."
Long-standing volunteers include Joy Bonney, Capalaba MOW president, who has been involved in Capalaba Meals on Wheels since its inception meeting in October 1975.
Kitchen co-ordinator Sharon Russel has been with the service for more than 23 years, while Ray Bucknall will mark 26 years with the service this year.
Cook Pat Nelson has been volunteering at Capalaba on a weekly basis for 21 years.
The spokesperson said new volunteers were always welcome.
"Our volunteers' dedication makes it possible for us to perform this basic but essential service to our community," the spokesperson said.
