Meals on Wheels celebrates its volunteers for another year
More than 20 volunteers have been acknowledged for their dedication and time at the Murray Bridge branch's 2024 AGM.
Members of Meals on Wheels’ Murray Bridge branch have come together to hold an annual general meeting and thank volunteers for their time.
The meeting came just days before Meals on Wheels South Australia celebrates 70 years of service on Friday, August 9.
The Murray Bridge branch has been operating for 54 of those 70 years.
A total of 24 volunteers were acknowledged this year, with 16 present on the day.
Mary Rowley, branch chair and secretary, welcomed everyone to the awards before going over some of the year’s events.
This included the celebration of delivering their one millionth meal this past July.
“I wish again to thank the committee for the ongoing and endless dedication to the branch,” she said.
The branch delivered to approximately 70 homes with an average of 65 kilometres driven per day.
More than 13,000 hot meals and 245 frozen meals were delivered for the year.
Jason Webb, a support officer from Meals on Wheels SA’s central office, said that while the organisation might be turning 70, it was not slowing down.
“Financial pressures are impacting everyone, so we’re trying to keep down customer costs,” he said.
Mr Webb also shut down rumours of some branches closing, reassuring everyone that service would continue and continued to do well in SA.
Dot Temby, volunteer coordinator, said it had been a challenging year but urged volunteers to be happy and proud of what they did.
“(We’re) providing a valuable service to the community and those appreciative clients who value the time and effort put in,” she said.
Joyleen Kluske was one of those volunteers awarded and acknowledged for her service.
This year marked her 10th year of service to the Murray Bridge branch.
Ms Kluske said it was a worthwhile cause and that she enjoyed working with the elderly.
“I enjoy being part of somebody else’s day and making a difference,” she said.
Service awards 2024
- One year: Ali Bolt, Val Braendler, Raymond Dohnt, Jillian Gale, Wayne Leonard, Susan Sanderson, and Betty Venning
- Five years: Lynette Bald, Rose Marie Hoffmann, Genevieve Miell, Allan and Kathy Nicolle, Glynnis and Wesley Taylor
- Ten years: Graham Buttle, Rosemary Daish, Grace Hameister, and Joyleen Kluske
- 15 years: Coral Coulter
- 20 years: Lorraine Buttle and Necia Schapel
- 30 years: Dore Eisen and Joy Morris
