POMONA MEALS ON WHEELS RECEIVES VOLUNTEER GRANT

Pomona Meals On Wheels has been awarded $5,000 under the latest round of Volunteer Grants funding, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has announced today.

Mr O’Brien visited the Meals On Wheels commercial kitchen in the Pomona Memorial School of Arts today with his guest the Hon David Littleproud, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Leader of the Nationals.

Mr O’Brien said these funds would provide reimbursement of fuel costs for the volunteers who use their own vehicles to make deliveries to the Meals on Wheel clients.

“27 not-for-profit organisations from throughout Wide Bay received grants of $1,000 to $5,000, shared more than $66,000 in funding from this round of Volunteer Grants,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Every volunteer’s contribution, no matter how big or small, is extraordinary because that person cares enough to serve their community and give of their time, expertise, and resources freely to improve the lives of others. Wide Bay communities would not be the same without them.”

Pomona Meals On Wheels Treasurer Irene Gibbs said that their volunteers play an important role in assisting seniors and people recovering from surgery, to remain independent in their own homes.

“Our volunteers not only deliver the freshly cooked local produce, they also make time to talk to our clients and ensure they stay connected in the community,” Mrs Gibbs said.

“We pride ourselves on offering more than just a meal. We offer a service that includes a friendly and respectful chat, and a wellbeing check on all our clients.”

Mr Littleproud was impressed with the services that the Pomona Meals On Wheels provides to their community, and congratulated the staff and volunteers on received a Volunteer Grant.

“Volunteer Grants support the work of volunteers and encourage volunteering, allowing organisations to purchase equipment, making volunteers’ work easier, safer and more enjoyable,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Volunteers perform a range of important work, caring for others and delivering a variety of community services, making an enormous difference to the wellbeing of countless Australians.”