Tennille Valensisi and Kim Mecham, the faces of Griffith Meals on Wheels. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Griffith Meals on Wheels will be delivering meals to residents in Coleambally and Darlington Point on a weekly basis from Tuesday 26 July.
Coordinator Tennille Valensisi said delivery would be free of charge and include a piccolo bottle of wine, generously donated by Casella Family Wines.
“We have seen there is a need in those communities, so it’s great to be able to get our service that way,” Ms Valensisi said.
The expanded delivery to homes up to 45 minutes away from their office represents a resurgence for Griffith Meals on Wheels, who celebrate their 57th year in this community this month.
“Covid was quite a tough time, as it was for a lot of organisations in the sector. We lost 85 per cent of our volunteers because a government regulation meant we had to temporarily stand down volunteers aged over 70.
“Thankfully, we got some great support from local businesses to keep us going. Griffith Exies did a lot of our deliveries, and we were helped by Collier & Miller and Griffith Real Estate as well. That was great as we were still needed more than ever.
“A lot of people don’t realise we have a problem with homelessness, but it’s certainly there and those people need our support. Lately, we have had an increase in donations, that has helped too.”
Ms Valensisi said eased government restrictions meant they were now well staffed with volunteers, but were always on the look out for more. All volunteers need to be fully vaccinated with at least one booster.
“Just drop in to our office [16 Yambil st] or give us a call [02 6962 9997] if you want to help out.
“We never say no to volunteers.”
Griffith Meals on Wheels office at 16 Yambil st. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Griffith Meals on Wheels are also gearing up for their annual fundraising event Cuppa for a Cause, which became “Cupcake for a Cause” the past few years. The event will be held on 26 August.
Local businesses are encouraged to host a morning tea, in which attendees bring tea, coffee, scones and cupcakes. Those who come along make donations to support the event, with all proceeds going towards helping Griffith Meals on Wheels maintain and expand their service. Those who’d like to participate are encouraged to follow the Griffith Meals on Wheels Facebook page.
The organisation also has regular “hamper days” as part of its Hampers of Hope program. The hampers are a collection of fresh food and groceries sourced from donations by local supermarkets, farmers, businesses and producers, and are delivered free of charge to families and individuals doing it tough.
“Again this is thanks to the businesses who support us,” Ms Valensisi said.
Meals on Wheels is a word-wide program that delivers affordable meals to individuals at home who are unable to purchase, prepare or travel outside to get their own meals. It was first started in the United Kingdom in 1943, during World War II.
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