Jeff Huddlestone
DEBBIE Coppleman is a familiar face at the Meals on Wheels office in Mount Gambier.
She originally started volunteering with deliveries, then preparing meals in the kitchen and now handles office work.
Her routine includes talking to clients, preparing menus, and ensuring meals are made and delivered.
There are 140 clients who receive meals on weekdays.
The O’Halloran Terrace kitchen fires up early each morning, and volunteers prepare the food which is then cooked, dished, checked, put into hot boxes and delivered by a two-person driver and delivery team assigned to the various rounds for clients.
“They receive a hot meal from a choice of two, soup and a sweet,” Ms Coppleman said.
Ms Coppleman was initially a Meals on Wheels client before deciding to volunteer for the organisation.
“I actually happened to use Meals on Wheels when I had an operation.
“I cannot work and I thought there is no better place to give back to,” she said.
“They helped me out.
“I just love the aspect of what we do.
“We keep the elderly and vulnerable people in their homes.” Ms Coppleman said.
Without volunteers, services such as Meals on Wheels would not operate.
“We do need a few more people to help out in the kitchen and some delivery drivers.
“Covid has been tough on us,” Ms Coppleman said.
Currently, volunteers are unable to enter clients’ homes so instead they deliver meals to the door with a cheery hello and make sure they are alright from a distance.
She says one of her former delivery clients pops in to say hi.
Ms Coppleman says the best thing she likes about volunteering is helping the senior community.
“They really love it and need our help,” she said.
“It’s a good cause.
“One day we are all going to be in the same shoes, so if someone can help us stay in our own homes, rather than being put in a nursing home,” Ms Coppleman said.
Jo Burford is the branch support coordinator, responsible for Mount Gambier, Millicent, Beachport and Naracoorte.
Each branch operates independently.
Ms Burford enjoys working with her Meals on Wheels colleagues, the variety in the job and making sure of the clients’ well-being.
“Mostly, I look after compliance and auditing and ensure requirements are met,” Ms Burford said.
Ms Burford said the organisation is always looking for people to help out with different roles and commitment levels on offer to suit any volunteer.
“If you can help, the organisation would love to hear from you,” she said.
More information can be found about Meals on Wheels on their website.
