National Meals on Wheels Day (Wednesday 30th August) celebrates the ongoing efforts and dedication of some 75,000 Meals on Wheels volunteers across Australia. In NSW, this day commemorates the 60th anniversary of the delivery of the first meal at the Town Hall in Sydney in 1957.
Omnicare Alliance’s Meals on Wheels branches will celebrate the milestone with its 800 volunteers and 500 clients from Forster to Sawtell. Over the course of the week each client will receive a muffin made especially in celebration of the national event, along with a commemorative coaster celebrating the 60th anniversary of Meals on Wheels.
Our branches currently deliver around 2500 meals each week. However, our team of volunteers and staff deliver ‘more than just a meal’; as our service provides support for people to continue living independently in their own homes and communities for longer. In addition, we recently introduced the ‘Easy at Home’ service designed to assist our clients by providing information about and access to healthcare and mobility aids that can make everyday living easier.
Penny Poulton, Head of Operations – Meal Services from Omnicare Alliance said “Not only do our meals provide our clients with nutritional support; our volunteers help to combat any social isolation they might feel, by being a regular and friendly face. Our volunteers are also able to monitor their wellbeing and safety.”
“Our volunteers provide such an important and invaluable contribution to the community and we can’t thank them enough” said Ms Poulton.
Omnicare Alliance is now the single largest community aged and disability care support provider on the Mid North Coast, following the merger between four local not-for profits – Hastings District Respite Care, Meals on Wheels MNC, Hastings Home Modifications and Parklands Cottage. Omnicare Alliance provides services to the communities in Port Macquarie, Sawtell, Kempsey, Wauchope, Camden Haven, Taree and the Greater Lakes.
