For 70 years, Meals on Wheels has been part of Queensland communities, delivering meals, care, and connection to support independence at home. Helping frail older people and younger people with a disability and their carers stay in their homes where most are happiest, is at the heart of what we do. Meals on Wheels provides meals to suit a client's personal requirements and can accommodate special dietary needs and taste preferences. Everyday a friendly smile, a chat, a nutritious meal and knowing someone will drop by to say hello, changes the lives of many Australians and it's not just the clients who value this contact. Ask any of the 7,000 Queensland volunteers and they will tell you reaching out and making a difference in somebody else's day, makes theirs. Volunteers fill many roles from being drivers, delivering meals into people's homes, assisting in community kitchens or in transportation of clients to a community centre to enjoy a meal along with other social activities. Others may be able to provide office skills helping set up databases, writing newsletters, or preparing promotional flyers for events. No matter what an individual can offer, every bit of help adds to a happier and healthier community. While many retirees are active in our formidable volunteer family - and 'family' is what it becomes - the face of volunteering is as diverse as our clients. We have teenagers keen to do something for others, families who enjoy the focus of sharing a meaningful activity together, and business people who realise there is life outside the office. Chatting about local issues or discussing the latest book release may not be part of a volunteer's job description, but for a client that has very few visitors, it means a lot.
