There’s a school of thought that a cup of tea can solve most things.
It’s with this in mind that a Meals on Wheels service is reaching out to residents in Sydney’s St George district, offering free morning tea for a cuppa and a chat at clients’ homes.
It’s all about connecting with people, and building a community, says St George Meals on Wheels chief executive Nahed Soliman.
“We pride ourselves on being a service that connects people with people. Time is becoming ever more precious, with many of us only getting busier and leading more and more impersonal lives,” she said.
“So we take time to do the little things – like having a chat, enjoying a cuppa, and just to simply say “How are you today?” We know that all of this and more go a long way to bringing our community a little bit closer.”
Once a month volunteers will visit clients (who are existing Meals on Wheels members) in their home and bring morning tea with all the trimmings. “We will set the table beautifully, spend an hour or so with the client and let them talk,” said Ms Soliman.
She said not only do the clients enjoy the experience, the volunteers have a great time too.
“Many volunteers strike up a strong relationship with clients,” she said.
“We believe that we not only enhance the lives of our customers but those who volunteer for us too.
“Many of our volunteers love that they are not only doing something very practical by delivering a meal, but they are doing something personal – making a big difference in a small way.”
1000 meals a week
St George Meals of Wheels, which is funded by the Department of Health, has 150 volunteers and 11 paid staff, including three chefs.
Volunteers help prepare meals and deliver them to around 185 clients across the district, making nine runs a day.
The service has a purpose-built kitchen in the basement of Peakhurst Bowling Club at Beverly Hills.
About 1000 meals a week are prepared and delivered, with a wide multicultural menu to choose from.
Clients are offered a menu choice and the option of meals delivered hot, chilled for easy heating or frozen so delivery is not required daily.
The service has expanded from covering the Hurstville council area to Kogarah and Rockdale, as well.
To find out more about St George Meals on Wheels, phone (02) 9584-1286 or visit stgmownsw.com.au
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