Not indicative of the meals offered under this program.

City of Boroondara will thank its dedicated Meals on Wheels volunteers at a celebration to mark National Meals on Wheels Day on Wednesday 25 August.

The event will provide an opportunity to recognise the contribution volunteers make to our community and the importance of the service. The luncheon will also acknowledge the work of the Volunteer Community Transport Program volunteers door-to-door-service who drive residents to medical appointments.

About 400 volunteers, across all three services, being Ashburton Support Services, BASS Care and City of Boroondara, deliver meals on wheels to Boroondara residents each weekday.

Mayor of Boroondara, Councillor Jack Wegman said the Meals on Wheels service is a vital one in Boroondara and for all community groups and Councils in Victoria, as it allows people to live independently at home. The service began more than fifty years ago in Australia.

'Many people benefit greatly from Meals on Wheels, and those most likely to use the service are frail and  elderly residents who live independently, people with a disability, residents recovering from a serious illness  and carers, Cr Wegman said.

'While some people use the service for only a short time, others may have long-term involvement with the program. The luncheon is a way to congratulate all our volunteers who give up their time by providing a meal and a friendly conversation along the way. Today is a fitting day to celebrate their hard work and achievements.'

Following the daily meals run on Wednesday 25 August, a luncheon will be held at Leonda by the Yarra, in Hawthorn, where volunteers will lunch with the Mayor and councillors. The luncheon will recognise our volunteers with awards to commemorate their service.

Volunteers are rostered to collect and deliver meals on a daily basis. They can work on their own or can partner up to ensure that all the meals are delivered on time and to those most in need.

Volunteers for the Meals on Wheels service are currently in short supply and many more are needed. Council encourages you to become involved. There are several organisations that provide this service in Boroondara. To find out more, phone the Boroondara Volunteer Resource Centre (BVRC) on 9278 4550.

CEO of City of Boroondara, Dr Catherine Dale, will be among the guests invited to the luncheon along with Kew Senior Citizens Committee members and a variety of volunteers groups and volunteers.