In a changing world, it's easy to forget there are many volunteers still providing essential services in the Eurobodalla Shire.
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National Meals on Wheels Day (August 25) is the perfect time to thank some of those volunteers who deliver meals and provide social support in the community.
Meals on Wheels has been visiting homes to offer support, comfort, and assistance for more than 60 years, and more than 120 volunteers continue this tradition in the Eurobodalla Shire.
A Eurobodalla Meals on Wheels spokesperson said the organisation stretches from South Durras to Mystery Bay each week.
"Clients can pick from a menu which has 62 items on it," they said.
"Meals are delivered by a wonderful and dedicated team of volunteers who smile and spend some moments chatting with clients, which can often break the social isolation experienced by many older people."
Manager Alan Russell said these moments were important parts of the service.
"There is no cost for a smile or a quick word, but they are of high value to both the client and the volunteer," he said.
While Meals on Wheels is known for it's meal-delivery service, it also runs a Group Social Support section offering exciting events and activities through its Out and About programme.
"The wellbeing of our senior citizens is most important," Mr. Russell said.
"We offer a range of adventures and activities from which the clients choose. Our bus collects them from home, takes them to the event and returns them home afterwards.
It is a cheerful door to door service with fun, laughter and companionship, plus lunch is provided each day.
"Individual Social Support allows our clients to have someone take them shopping, to complete some 'courtyard gardening', take them to appointments, or to visit to play cards, do a puzzle or share a cup of tea.
"This also helps to eliminate isolation and loneliness which are common issues amongst the older community.
"Our volunteers are the key to the success of Meals on Wheels. We can measure the number of meals and the hours of assistance, but how do you measure the genuine support our clients are offered each day by these people?
"Too often this is forgotten by our leaders who are driven by data. They can forget the compassion and support given by so many volunteers.
"If we totalled the hours given by these people and costed it out, no Government would want to foot that bill across the country.
"Meals on Wheels across the country has a bigger workforce than Bunnings, or Telstra or NAB; and they are all volunteers. Today we remember their commitment and value their services."
