Thanking the wheels behind the meals
Around 55 volunteers who work tirelessly for City of Sydney Meals on Wheels were surprised today with certificates of appreciation, celebrating and acknowledging their hard work throughout the year.
Minister for Community Services, Senator Nigel Scullion visited the organisation in Sydney today to present the certificates, as part of National Volunteer Week.
‘These volunteers help prepare and deliver 250 meals each day across the city. That’s up to 91000 meals each year for people who otherwise might not have had one,’ Senator Scullion said.
‘Many of the people who receive Meals on Wheels are unable to shop or cook for themselves and these healthy meals, delivered to their doors, are a blessing.
‘I also took the opportunity today to congratulate City of Sydney Meals on Wheels for an impressive 50 years of exceptional community service,’ Senator Scullion said.
Councillor Marcelle Hoff, Deputy Chair of the City of Sydney’s Cultural and Community Services Committee said that the City was extremely proud of its volunteers.
‘The longevity of the City’s Meals on Wheels program is testament to the volunteers who have supported it for 50 years. This program is an extremely important community service which continues to help residents in need of assistance,’ Councillor Hoff said.
Senator Scullion said that during National Volunteer Week, which runs until 20 May, he is visiting as many volunteer organisations as possible, to let them know Australia appreciates their contribution.
‘The Australian Government recently committed further support for volunteers in the form of a boost to funding in the Volunteer Management Program to $5.7 million.
‘The Government is also offering volunteer organisations a share in $81.1 million, over this and the next four years, for Volunteer Small Equipment Grants and is funding National Seniors Australia with $300,000 to provide opportunities for senior Australians to volunteer in remote Indigenous communities.
‘It’s great to meet first hand the volunteers who will benefit from this funding, and to be able to congratulate them as part of National Volunteer Week,’ Senator Scullion said.