By XAVIER SMERDON
FOR the last two years a Werribee couple has been bringing more than just food to the homes of some of Wyndham’s neediest residents.
Lillian Landy and Steve Bartlett retired three years ago and wanted to find a way to give back to the community.
They decided to become Meals on Wheels volunteers.
“We love getting out there and it’s a service that wouldn’t be as widely available if it wasn’t for the volunteers,” Mr Bartlett said.
“It’s actually fairly fulfilling.”
Ms Landy said as well as bringing food to people’s homes they also provided them with some much-needed company.
“They look forward to seeing you because you might be one of the only people that visit them that week,” Ms Landy said.
Meals on Wheels are currently donating about 3500 meals in the Wyndham area every month.
This Wednesday is National Meals on Wheels Day, the 60th anniversary of the event.
Australian Meals on Wheels Association President, Ron Welsh, said the event recognised the volunteers and paid workers that had helped make the service what it is today.
“This day marks the real progress we have made from those humble beginnings in South Melbourne, where a lady on a tricycle delivered a few meals to local residents,” Mr Welsh said.
“It is an opportunity to highlight to the Australian people the significant contribution that is made to the community by 680 Meals on Wheels services and some 80,000 volunteers across Australia.”
For more information on becoming a Meals on Wheels volunteer visit www.mealsonwheels.org.au or call (08) 8271 8700.
