Participants from Anglicare’s Crookwell Disability Day Centre assist local Meals on Wheels program

Last month, as a thank you for their ongoing involvement, participants from Anglicare’s Disability Day Centre in Crookwell were invited to help celebrate 50 years of the local Meals on Wheels program. The well-established food delivery program relies on volunteers, and for the past 3 years Anglicare disability participants have regularly helped by hand-delivering hot meals to community members experiencing difficulty.

The idea for the ongoing collaboration came from Crookwell resident and wife of local Meals on Wheels president, Ellen Seaman. “My husband Greg and I do a lot of work down at the church where the disability participants have their day centre”, said Ellen. “I got to talking with Lisa (Anglicare Disability Worker) and thought maybe they would enjoy coming along and delivering meals.”

Indeed, the team truly has enjoyed their role of bringing hot food and a smile to people around town. “And it is not just one sided”, said Ellen. “The people receiving the meals also seem to enjoy seeing the participants. They are very friendly to them.”

On their delivery days, participants and disability workers depart the Anglicare Disability Day Centre and meet other Meals on Wheels volunteers at the local hospital, where the hot, nutritious meals are prepared. Provided with a list of delivery locations, the team then go about knocking on doors and presenting meals to those who need them.

The Anglicare Disability team in Crookwell has seen the positive impact this involvement has had on participants. It has increased their sense of belonging and connection within the community and provided opportunities to engage in local celebrations and events. An annual highlight for the team is the Christmas delivery, when they are joined by a special guest, dressed in a red suit and carrying a large red sac, who brings seasonal treats to the community.

We would like to thank Ellen and Greg Seaman, who have been part of the Crookwell Meals on Wheels for over 15 years, for warmly welcoming and encouraging our ongoing participation in the program.

Visit our Disability Services page for information on our services in Crookwell, Goulburn and Holt.