A recipient of Red Cross Meals on Wheels Mosgiel says the service has helped her keep some independence.
‘‘It means a lot to me because I don't want to go into a [retirement] home,'' Janet Dee said.
Mrs Dee, who is no longer able to drive and requires the assistance of a walking stick to move around, said she was grateful for the service.
‘‘They're a wonderful thing, Meals on Wheels.''
Nola King has been a Meals on Wheels driver for 17 years and said she enjoyed bringing food to her elderly clients.
She said she had recently retired when she saw an advertisement and decided to volunteer.
‘‘[I was] looking for something to do and I thought that would be worthwhile.''
Mrs King said she did the same run whenever her name came up on the roster and she enjoyed seeing familiar faces.
‘‘We do get to know people and it's really nice to meet up with them again.''
Mrs King said sometimes her duties extended beyond the official remit of Meals on Wheels.
‘‘Sometimes I do little errands for them. I bring them the mail or post a letter.''
Red Cross Meals on Wheels Mosgiel co-ordinator Winifred Harris said the service had more than 60 drivers who took turns delivering meals on a rostered basis.
‘‘They do it for a week from Monday to Friday, then they hopefully don't have another week for another 10 to 12 weeks' time.''
Mrs Harris said many drivers were themselves at an advanced age, which meant more drivers could soon be needed.
‘‘We've got quite a good number but we can always do with more.
‘‘They're elderly people who won't be too far off getting meals themselves.''
Mrs Dee said drivers were often retired themselves and enjoyed getting out and meeting people.
■For further information or to apply to be a Meals on Wheels driver contact Winifred Harris on (03) 489-6211.
-By Joshua Riddiford
