VOLUNTEERS with the Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest Meals on Wheels service have been thanked in a special National Volunteers’ Week morning tea held at Hawks Nest Community Hall on Thursday 22 May.
Many delivery drivers braved the rain and wind to continue delivering hot and frozen meals throughout the last few weeks, all of them recognising the importance of serving their vulnerable clientele.
“I’ve been here for four years, never met a more compassionate or better bunch of people,” kitchen supervisor Kim* told the crew of two dozen volunteer cooks, delivery drivers and administrators.
Among them were three special individuals who were recognised for their 20 years of service; Marilyn Taylor and Sue and David Matheson.
“I started with my husband when we first came up here after retiring from Sydney,” Marilyn told News Of The Area.
“The fact that we could do deliveries together was helpful, all around Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, and we met a lot of people who are on their own but love to say ‘hello’.
“When hot meals started on Mondays, the people were set up with placemats and cutlery, ready to eat.
“I’ll keep doing it as long as I can.
Sue Matheson said her mother needed the service, which led to her volunteering.
“It became part of our routine. We were on the committee for a while and got to know the other volunteers,” she said.
“We were happy when a past president made the commitment to continue preparing the food locally, rather than switching to frozen food out of Newcastle.
David Matheson added, “Many clients have some wonderful dogs, it’s a perk to get to visit them when we go around, and we enjoy the village feeling.”
Vice President Christine Blair said volunteers also keep an eye on their clients’ welfare.
“We have clear protocols to follow when we check on them,” she said.
“It is interesting how the area has grown so much, and many couples volunteer to deliver together.”
President Derek Pont had glowing praise for all the volunteers, past and present.
“Volunteers are the heart and soul of any organisation like Meals on Wheels,” he said.
“Without them, we could not function, and the community would be poorer.
“The Volunteers at Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest Meals on Wheels are exceptional, as they are dedicated to the preparation, serving and delivery of meals to people in our extended area – regardless of the weather.
“We have had, and still have, volunteers who have served over 20 years, and many over 10.
“This is a real commitment to helping others.”
By Thomas O’KEEFE
