​Being a Meals on Wheels volunteer means making a big difference to someone else’s life. Delivering nutritious meals to those in need, and providing much-needed social contact is crucial work, that’s rewarding for both the volunteer and the recipient.

But, due to the pandemic, numbers of volunteers have drastically fallen. Where Canterbury Bankstown Meals on Wheels once had 150 volunteers, they now have half that number – and they are calling out for more helpers.

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour has met many local volunteers who’ve shared stories about how satisfying it is to help others. He says volunteering is not only about being able to help others; there are also great benefits for the volunteers themselves.

“Social isolation and loneliness can be a problem for anyone, particularly those in the early stages of retirement. Volunteering is one way of getting involved, supporting the community and making social connections,” Mayor Asfour said.

“I’d like to encourage those in our community who might be looking for ways to give back, but might also be looking for volunteer work that is incredibly uplifting – as well as being a great way to make new friends.”

Meals on Wheels volunteer Graeme Ayling says the work is incredibly rewarding. He says he’d feel a little lost without his volunteering work.

“Many of my mates are fearful of retiring because they don’t know what they’re going to do, but I’m quite the opposite,” he said.

“I get into Meals on Wheels about 40 minutes before we go out with the meals and have a coffee with the other volunteers, and have a bit of a chat. So, it’s not just coming in and doing the job, there’s a social aspect to it too. It’s great!”

Meals on Wheels is only one of a wide range of local volunteering opportunities. Current opportunities on the Canterbury Bankstown Volunteer Cloud include visiting isolated aged care residents through Chester Hill Neighbourhood Centre, supporting people with a disability take part in activities at Recreation Sport and Aquatics Club in Bankstown and helping with garden care and social support through the Canterbury City Community Centre in Lakemba.

You can find out more about these and other opportunities here. There are opportunities for people of all ages and volunteers who speak languages other than English. Many of these programs offer the chance for volunteers to gain new skills and training.

Find out more about volunteering with Meals on Wheels at here or call 9707 9646.