As part of National Volunteers Week, Canterbury-Bankstown Council hosted its 55th Meals on Wheels Volunteer Awards – a ‘thank you’ to volunteers who give their time to deliver essential services to those in the community who need it most and also acknowledged 40 people who between them have racked up an incredible 610 years of service.
Mayor Khal Asfour said it is a fantastic achievement by members of our community who put others first.
“These volunteers are our everyday heroes, and just remember not all heroes wear capes,” he said.
Among those volunteers is Luisa Zanet, who received an award for 20 years of service.
The 79-year-old Georges Hall grandmother is a Meals on Wheels volunteer with her granddaughter Kayla Kristen.
“You try to help others because maybe one day I might need it for myself,” Ms Zanet said.
“I love it… The meal recipients always say thank you very much and really appreciate it, they really do, and some even give me a hug. I feel really good.”
The intergenerational team are linked together by the strong bond between grandmother, daughter and granddaughter, after Ms Kristen’s “Nonna” introduced them to volunteering.
“I have learnt the world is so much greater than my own ‘bubble’,” Ms Kristen said.
“Rather than just focusing on myself, giving of our time and resources in volunteering is truly fulfilling work, particularly to those that are homebound and lonely, through the wonderful service of Meals on Wheels.
“Such a service, built around compassionate care for those in our local community, really captures what family is all about: putting others before ourselves.”
Mayor Asfour said there are many volunteering opportunities to help others and urges everyone who can to get involved.
For more about volunteering opportunities visit cb.city/volunteer
