By Jesse Graham
YARRA Ranges Council is paying tribute to residents who have clocked up years of volunteering and delivering food to others ahead of national Meals on Wheels Day at the end of the month.
Wednesday, 31 August, is national Meals on Wheels Day, a day to acknowledge the work of volunteers who deliver meals to residents across the country under the program.
The council this month acknowledged their own volunteers on the cover of its Yarra Ranges Local newsletter, telling the stories of some of their volunteers, including Cecilia and Jonni Sharpley.
Cecilia started volunteering for the council’s Meals on Wheels service about eight years ago to assist her friend who had delivered meals with her late husband.
She said that Jonni would step in to help out when either she or her friend were unable to do their usual meal run.
The Meals on Wheels deliveries are made to residents who may be living with a disability, are elderly, or may not be in a position to make their own meals.
Ms Sharpley said the volunteers build up a rapport with the meal recipients and often talk to them about their lives and catch up during their deliveries.
She said there are benefits, such as meeting residents’ new puppies, as well as sad moments, like when someone is moved into care or passes away and their name is removed from the roster.
When asked why she and her husband volunteered, Ms Sharpley said it was all about giving back to the community she lived in.
“I think it’s important that you enjoy the benefits of living in the community, so therefore it’s a good idea to put something back,” she said.
“I think as long as I’m able to drive, I’d keep doing it – it’s a small thing you can do.”
She said residents who had the spare time should consider volunteering, whether it be with Meals on Wheels or a group that they are passionate about.
Yarra Ranges mayor Jason Callanan said the national day was a chance to thank volunteers who spent their time helping others.
“Thankyou to all our 115 Meals on Wheels volunteers for their contribution to this program, as well as making Yarra Ranges a more caring, healthy and connected community,” he said.
For more information about meals on wheels, visit www.mealsvictoria.org.au or www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au.
