Thanks A Million campaign: Helping to provide meals to the vulnerable

With this past year causing hardships for many, there’s been a spike in demand for support services such as Meals on Wheels.

She may be 70 and unable to walk unaided, but that hasn’t stopped Alison Meighan from devoting her spare time to helping others.

For the past 18 years she has volunteered for Meals on Wheels Western Australia, helping establish access to meal support funding that ensures the state’s elderly and vulnerable community are provided with essential meal services.

“There’s so many facets to Meals on Wheels; it’s not just about the food, it’s about the social contact that the recipients get and the peace of mind for the families that somebody is checking on them, all of which make the cause so important to me,” Ms Meighan said.

Meals on Wheels ensures the vulnerable are provided with meals.

With this past year causing hardships for many, there’s been a spike in demand for support services such as Meals on Wheels.

“It’s a vital service for many and Covid has really highlighted this,” said the volunteer worker.

“The pandemic has also brought to our attention the gaps in the community that don’t have access to support services, particularly within groups living remotely, so that’s what I’m striving to solve.”

Ever-proactive and selfless, Ms Meighan doesn’t let her own disability get in the way of helping others, which led to her Thanks a Million nomination.

“I have a fairly rare form of osteoporosis that means I’m unable to walk unaided, but I still consider myself fortunate since I don’t require help and can manage with crutches, a mobile scooter and walker,” the volunteer worker said. “My involvement as a volunteer is more behind the scenes, so it doesn’t get in the way of things.”

Demand for support services such as Meals on Wheels has soared in the past year.

As restrictions continue to ease across the country, Ms Meighan hopes the ongoing support of newfound volunteers, especially amongst younger Australians, will remain into the new year and hopes her nomination will inspire others considering volunteer work.

“There’s lots of ways to get involved, from delivering meals to helping with the various service providers, office roles and administration tasks; all of it helps immensely and the better the organisation will come,” Ms Meighan said.

The Thanks A Million Pride of Australia awards recognise those who have gone above and beyond to help their fellow Australians through the challenges of 2020.

Nominate someone at thanksamillion.net.au and they could receive a $200 Woolworths Gift Card.

Terms and conditions apply. For full terms and conditions, visit thanksamillion.net.au

Originally published as Thanks A Million campaign: Helping to provide meals to the vulnerable