Murray Bridge Meals on Wheels gives its volunteers a meal

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Murray Bridge Meals on Wheels has held its annual Christmas lunch for its volunteers at the Murray Bridge Greyhound Racing Club.

Chair and secretary of Murray Bridge Meals on Wheels Mary Rowley said that her branch averaged 80 to 85 deliveries daily for people across Murray Bridge.

These deliveries were for people who needed assistance with shopping or cooking, such as the elderly, people with a disability or people recovering from illness or injury.

Ms Rowley has been chair of the local branch for 26 years.

“It’s a great community organisation,” she said.

“You can help people stay in their homes and live independently.

“It’s also a way to check they’re okay: we call it a welfare check.”

Murray Bridge Meals on Wheels volunteers typically work in pairs.

One such pairing is husband-and-wife team Bill and Marlene Dunthorpe.

Mrs Dunthorpe – who also celebrated her birthday on Monday – said it was nice to help some of the elderly and have a natter with them.

“Some of these people don’t see anyone else,” she said.

“It could be us one day.”

Another volunteer, Kenn Freeman – who pointed out that he’s not related to either Morgan or Cathy Freeman – has volunteered at Meals on Wheels branches in Strathalbyn, Mount Barker and Murray Bridge.

In the undisputed quote of the day, Mr Freeman said that the reason he volunteered for Meals on Wheels was because “the money’s good”.

Mr Freeman echoed the words of many other Meals on Wheels volunteers when he said that the work was rewarding.

Mr Freeman delivered food to people – but he also delivered companionship and happiness.

“I like putting smiles on people’s faces,” he said.

“If you can do that, you’ve done well.”