Helping hand for Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels Central Coast (MOWCC) has received a helping hand from Older Women’s Network, Deepwater (OWN) to the tune of $1,460.

The women’s charity made the donation to support MOWCC’s Club 365 fundraising initiative.

OWN members continue to fundraise to provide donations towards food relief, groceries and meals via Mary Mac’s Place, Seventh Day Adventist and Community SOS food pantries.

After learning that the 165 MOWCC volunteers use their own vehicles and time to deliver 21,000 meals a month to more than 1,100 senior citizens across the Central Coast, OWN decided to add its support.

“We are so proud that our Club 365 donation will support volunteers and their daily runs each week, enabling MOWCC meal delivery volunteers to reach the most isolated and vulnerable clients of the Central Coast,” OWN Secretary Jennifer Brown said.

OWN advocates for the rights, dignity and wellbeing of older women in the community.

“In addition to the food pantries we support, it makes sense to support Meals on Wheels Central Coast, which deliver affordable and nutritious meals to the homes of senior citizens with the help of the Club 365 fundraising initiative,” Brown said.

Meals on Wheels Central Coast CEO Neridah McLeod said the two organisations had a shared mission of providing connection, wellbeing and innovative support activities.

“Club 365 aims to secure ongoing support for MOWCC’s essential meal delivery service by recruiting 365 donors to contribute $30 a month for 12 months,” she said.

“This initiative directly addresses the increasing costs associated with volunteer travel kilometres, which costs the organisation approximately $100,000 each year.

“Our dedicated volunteers, who generously use their own vehicles, play a critical role in delivering meals to the most isolated and vulnerable members of our community.

“This initiative is about ensuring they can continue this vital service.”

MOWCC volunteers cover vast distances – more than 91,000 km annually – ensuring that no senior citizen is left without a meal or social connection.

With the senior population in the Central Coast projected to reach nearly 97,000 by 2034, the need for continued support is vital.

Darrell, a MOWCC Meal Delivery volunteer for more than 15 years, said he enjoyed meeting new people and giving back to the community.

“Many of our clients are isolated, and even a five-minute conversation can make a world of difference,” he said.

Club 365 is not only a fundraising effort but also a way for donors to connect with the mission of Meals on Wheels Central Coast.

All donations over $2 are tax-deductible, and donors will gain exclusive access to MOWCC content and events.

For more information about Club 365 and how to become a donor, visit The Meals on Wheels website or Club 365 page, or call 4357 8444.