29 August, 2012
NATIONAL MEALS ON WHEELS DAY
Senator Mitch Fifield has today welcomed National Meals On Wheels Day as an important opportunity to recognise the contributions and efforts of the thousands of people who volunteer for this essential service.
2012 marks sixty years of Meals On Wheels in Australia. From humble beginnings in 1952, when a woman on a tricycle began to deliver meals around Melbourne to those who needed them most, it has grown into a highly successful community organisation that delivers to people with disability, their carers and the aged all over Australia.
Every year, nearly 80,000 volunteers deliver 14.8 million healthy meals to 53,000 people across Australia who have limited capacity to get out and about.
Independence is something we all value and the delivery of meals directly to a person’s door is an important part of assisting people to continue living at home. The regular visits can help ease the social isolation some Australians experience.
“It would not be possible without the tens of thousands of volunteers who contribute their time and generosity to helping people in need,” Senator Fifield said.
“The Meals On Wheels service is a testament to the community spirit of so many Australians.”
“The tireless dedication of these volunteers helps to improve the lives of many people in a practical and personal way. Their work in the community deserves to be commended,” Senator Fifield said.
For more information please visit: www.mealsonwheels.org.au