Sometimes we have to be reminded about the marvellous work done in our communities by organizations like Meals on Wheels.

On my trip to Sydney last Friday I had the pleasure to sit next to Kathryn Dowling the Marketing manager for Meals on Wheels NSW. Lets face it MOW is known by all Australians but for my grandfather, after the loss of my grandmother, it was a lifeline which allowed him to remain in his home, until he passed away.

I thought it a perfect opportunity to say thank you to all associated with Meals on Wheels.

The text below is taken from the NSW Meals on Wheels website www.nswmealsonwheels.org.au

My grandmother Ruth and Arish

Enjoying life – supporting independence
Meals on Wheels is a name familiar to Australians and is at the heart of many communities. It represents helping hands, teamwork and looking out for each other. It is all about people in the community joining forces to help others.

Whilst age and disability may reduce some people’s capacity to get out and about, Meals on Wheels help make it possible for them to stay in their homes, where most are happiest, and maintain their independence. Delivery of nutritious meals, social interaction and a friendly check of a client’s wellbeing by Meals on Wheels volunteers can help people live the lives they choose.

From its inception over 50 years ago, Meals on Wheels has grown to become a driving force of care in the community. In the course of a year, over 14.8 million meals are delivered by more than 78,700 volunteers to about 53,000 recipients Australia wide in cities, regional and rural areas. Of these, about 4.5 million meals are delivered by 35,000 volunteers in NSW each year.

The changing face of Meals on Wheels reflects how the organisation is responding and adapting to the changing face of the community. The multicultural nature of society is echoed in the food, faces and friendships that typify Meals on Wheels.

While the tradition and values of Meals on Wheels remain true to its origins, a focus on engaging people of all ages from all walks of life is unfolding and bringing renewed energy, ideas and vision to help the organisation continue to provide a vital service and meet the needs of the community.

More than just a meal
Meals on Wheels has had a place in the hearts and homes of Australians for more than 50 years. Helping the frail older people and younger people with disabilities and their carers stay in their homes where most are happiest is at the heart of the matter.

Every day a friendly smile, a chat about the weather, a nutritious meal and knowing someone will drop by to say hello, changes the lives of many Australians and it’s not just the clients who value this contact. Ask any of the 35,000 NSW volunteers and they will tell you reaching out and making a difference in somebody else’s day, makes their day.

Independence is something we all value and to have that taken away through not being able to go to the shops for groceries or to cook regular meals, should not be an obstacle to autonomy.

We can all celebrate National Meals on Wheels Day on the last Wednesday in August each year. This annual celebration recognises the work of the organisations’ 78,700 volunteers at over 740 branches around the country.