Ten Years Anniversary of a Great Commitment

Christchurch’s Papanui branch of the Red Cross Association held a morning tea at St. Silas Church on 20th of November to thank those who have helped the Meals on Wheels service over the years. Three representatives of Buddha’s Light International Association South Island attended the recognition morning tea, namely Guihua Yang, Tracy Chen and another committee member. The BLIA representatives joined 40 other volunteers in receiving the service awards.

Red Cross Activities Co-ordinator Sam Morrison presented BLIA with a certificate in recognition of their ten or more years of service, and encouraged everyone to continue with their contribution and service. He also announced that during February next year, chosen volunteers will be given the chance to see for themselves the way in which the Canterbury District Health Board prepares their meals through a visit to the department.

Meals on Wheels is part of New Zealand’s non-profit Red Cross Service, and provides home delivered meals for people living in the City of the Canterbury Local Government District. Recipients of the service include those who are frail and elderly or have a disability, or are carers of these people.

Red Cross’s Canterbury West Coast Region branch initiated the idea of welcoming volunteers to help; and the Canterbury District Health Board has been responsible for supplying the meals. The achievements of Meals on Wheels include a history of 54 years, at least 800 volunteers and supplying around 1200 meals a day.

At the end of every year, Red Cross New Zealand holds a thank you party for all the Red Cross ‘Meals on Wheels’ volunteers of all the different suburbs for their efforts and contribution. The recognition events are also the chance for volunteers to get to know each other.

BLIA joined the Meals on Wheels delivery service during September of 1997, delivering meals every Tuesday along the roads of Riccarton and Papanui. Wearing the BLIA uniform, the committee members spend at least 2 hours each time to deliver the meals.