A local charity in Nambour has issued an impassioned plea for additional volunteers this Christmas as they brace for the challenges inherent with the festive season.
Nambour Meals on Wheels, who provide over 35,000 meals locally each year are seeking support to ensure the Sunshine Coast’s most vulnerable are supported over the Christmas holidays.
Federal Member for Fairfax, Ted O’Brien has answered the call by not only volunteering his time but providing the organisation with a $5,000 Federal Government Grant to directly support Nambour Meals on Wheels volunteer workforce.
“For many people in our community, Christmas can be the loneliest and most challenging time of the year,” Mr O’Brien said.
“I commend the team at Nambour Meals on Wheels who work throughout the year caring for and supporting our community’s most vulnerable.”
“It’s a privilege to help these people who dedicate themselves to helping others so much, and I know they’ll make this $5,000 stretch as far as possible.”
Nambour Meals on Wheels not only provide meals to people with a variety of support needs but also undertake daily welfare checks to monitor the health and wellbeing of their clients, many of which may not see anyone else during the day.
The organisation is looking to fill several volunteer roles which includes activities such as kitchen support, odd jobs and delivering meals to those in need.
Secretary of Nambour Meals on Wheels Phillip Worthy says that while this time of year is problematic for the organisation, he is confident the community will respond.
“We have an incredibly dynamic and welcoming workforce at Nambour Meals on Wheels who are always eager to support new volunteers,” Mr Worthy said.
“Volunteering is not only a great way to give back to the community but a fantastic way to meet new people, make new friends and be productive.”
“Whether it’s once a week, once a fortnight or once a month every little bit counts so, please contact us today to get involved.”
This funding is part of the Morrison Government’s $18 million 2021 Volunteer Grants program, which will support thousands of community organisations across the nation.
The 2021 Volunteer Grants provide organisations with grants of $1,000 to $5,000 to directly support their volunteers.
More than 8.7 million volunteers across the country freely give their time and skills to support others and contribute around $290 billion each year to Australia’s economy.
You can contact the team at Meals on Wheels Nambour here: 5441 3543