Cadet Journalist Shontae Iafeta took the opportunity to spend a day with Beaudesert Meals on Wheels and experience what their volunteers do for the Scenic Rim community.
Beaudesert Meals on Wheels has been servicing the community since 1982 where they deliver freshly cooked meals to local residents in need of prepared meals.
Beaudesert Meals on Wheels commonly caters for Beaudesert residents, but they regularly service Tamborine Mountain and surrounds.
Gold Coast caterers Gourmet Meals cooperates with Meals on Wheels to offer clients a selection of meals they would like to eat.
Volunteer Glenys Kelly has been part of Beaudesert Meals on Wheels since 2010 and appreciates the impact the service makes on clients.
“The fact that they get a lot of enjoyment out of having you visit them and they’re so appreciative of what you’re doing,” Glenys said.
“It enables the elderly, especially to live independently and stay longer in their homes, and it provides nutritious meals for them.”
Tamborine Mountain volunteers collect the frozen meals at Community Care, Southport Avenue, where they pick up the supplied eskies and deliver the meals directly to their clients.
“Beaudesert drivers come and drop off at Community Care at 9.30am on Fridays – the volunteers simply pick up the eskies and pop them into their cars,” Glenys said.
“Even over at community care, they’re not really part of Meals on Wheels – but because they deal with the elderly, they are really good to have up here.”
Glenys believes Meals on Wheels offers residents who may struggles with the cost of living to be able to receive all the nutritional values they need under a reasonable price.
“For nine dollars, they get a soup or fruit, frozen meal or salad, a dessert and a juice – especially nowadays with the cost of meals, that is quite economical as well as being nutritiously balanced,” she said.
“It works out a lot cheaper for them.”
Beaudesert Meals on Wheels has and will continue to provide a great service for the community by helping people with regular healthy meals.
By Shontae Iafeta
