The strength of Meals on Wheels comes from the Volunteers who serve as cooks, kitchen helpers, drivers and deliverers and committee members with most offering their services on a monthly basis. We encourage you to consider becoming part of this wonderful community initiative – new volunteers are always welcome to help maintain our level of service and to meet increasing demand.
Meals on Wheels volunteers do more than just deliver meals, they contribute significantly to the physical and emotional health of others by providing a level of care which they otherwise would not have. Often Meals on Wheels volunteers are a client’s only daily contact. Volunteers provide a level of caring support that used to be provided by family or the next door neighbour.
A Meals on Wheels volunteer can help break down the high degree of isolation many older people experience.
The special camaraderie in our Services ensures that volunteers thoroughly enjoy themselves in the company of like-minded people while providing an important service to the community. Our volunteers also enjoy meeting recipients or clients and knowing that they are brightening up their day as well as checking on their general well-being. Volunteering for Meals on Wheels doesn't require a big commitment. Just a few hours a month will be hugely appreciated although there are opportunities in most Services for a larger commitment!
Different Services have varying needs for volunteers in the following activities.
All services need volunteers for:
Drivers
Drivers use their own cars to deliver meals to recipients. They receive an allowance for their vehicle use, Distances range from 6 – 40 km depending on the service. Up to 25 meals are delivered per delivery round. Drivers must have their own comprehensive insurance.
Deliverers
Deliverers accompany drivers to deliver meals into the homes of recipients. For safety and security reasons, both the deliverer and the driver deliver the meal to the recipient.
Emergency Drivers and Deliverers
You can also volunteer as an emergency driver or deliverer. Rather than being on a regular roster, you'll simply be called on to fill in when a regular driver or deliverer can't make it.
Service Committees
Service Committees assist in the running of Meals on Wheels branches and are fulfilling and rewarding roles. Positions such as Chairperson, Kitchen Coordinator, Volunteer Co-ordinator, Secretary and Treasurer are all filled by volunteers.
Currarong, Greenwell Point, Huskisson/Vincentia, Jervis Bay, Shoalhaven Heads Services need
Cooks and Kitchen Co-ordinators
This involves preparing and cooking at kitchen-based branches. Cooking is a team effort so that one person does not do the whole meal. A main meal and dessert are prepared for up to 35 clients, depending on the size of the service.