Drivers, cooks, carers and their clients came together to share a meal and their appreciation.

Manager David Atkins said without volunteers, Meals on Wheels would not exist.  

“This is a volunteer based service, from cooking in the kitchen to delivering to the door,” he said. 

“Everyday there is a Meals on Wheels volunteer knocking on a door.”

Enjoying a well earned lunch were Meals on Wheels drivers Kevin Cox and Eric Cran, and support service worker Trevor Fowles. 

Mr Cox has been a volunteer driver for about two years. He said Meals on Wheel is a perfect fit for him as he spent most of his career in disability and care services.

His favourite part about driving is having a chat with his passengers. 

“Some of these people have done the most wonderful things and you’d never know until you talk to them,” he said.  

“Having that chat is also a really good way for us to make sure they’re doing OK.” 

Mr Cran has been a Meals on Wheels driver for seven years. He takes his clients out to do their shopping or have lunch. 

“It’s a real outing for them, they’re always keen to go to the grocery store even when they only need one or two things,” he said. 

“But it’s about the trip, they make a real day of it, and it’s a great day for me too.” 

Mr Fowles is a long time volunteer, helping in the kitchen of Ricky’s Place in Bega before becoming a support service worker for Meals on Wheels almost two years ago.

He can travel up to 400km across the Shire each month, spending about three hours with each client. 

“They’re truly lovely people, that’s why I do it, and it’s a great opportunity for me to meet others,” he said.

“My visits are also about giving the client’s partner a break. There are a lot of people who have fallen into a full time care role unexpectedly, so it’s important for them to get out and do what they want every now and then.”