Volunteers thrive on giving back
DISABILITY pensioner Katherine Livermore gets just as much pleasure from volunteering with Meals on Wheels as the people she delivers meals to every Wednesday.
While it was just another day at the Meals on Wheels headquarters yesterday, it was the last Wednesday of August, which is set aside each year to honour the many volunteers who help prepare and deliver food daily to the region's elderly, sick and frail.
Miss Livermore is part of a resurgence of young volunteers offering a helping hand at charities like Meals on Wheels where volunteers have been predominantly older people.
Knowing how important the act of giving is for personal growth, Miss Livermore's carer, Amanda Withers, came up with idea to use their time together volunteering for Meals on Wheels.
"We all need to be participating members of our community," Ms Withers said.
"Working at Meals on Wheels has given Katherine a sense of achievement and purpose. And her enthusiasm also benefits the clients.
"I drive and she gets out to deliver the meals. She loves talking to all the old ladies and they love talking to her."
The pair delivered 17 meals yesterday and will be back next Wednesday to do it all again.
Meals on Wheels manager Jules Delgado said the organisation had seven paid staff and 250 volunteers.
On average, 120 meals are delivered daily and since August last year, 30,314 meals have been provided to Gympie residents.
"Our volunteers provide a minimum of 18,460 hours a year," Ms Delgado said. "I would like to thank all of our wonderful volunteers - they are all fantastic, amazing and caring people. Without them there would be no Meals on Wheels."
