Volunteer drivers urgently needed for Meals on Wheels in Auckland

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What is Meals on Wheels?

The Meals on Wheels service supports older adults and people with illness or disability who are living at home and struggle to provide healthy meals for themselves. The service provides a hot, nutritious midday meal on weekdays along with a friendly smile from a volunteer meal deliverer.

New Zealand Red Cross recruits, trains and supports the volunteer drivers who deliver Meals on Wheels in 42 towns and cities across New Zealand, including Auckland. Red Cross has a 70 year history with Meals on Wheels and it is an important part of our work in New Zealand communities.

How many more drivers are needed in Auckland?

They need about 100 more Meals on Wheels volunteers in Auckland. More volunteer drivers are needed in all parts of the city and particularly on the North Shore and in South Auckland.

What would I do as a Meals on

Wheels volunteer?

You start your shift between 10:30am and 11.30am by going to a meal pick-up point. There you pick up the meals for your delivery run and deliver the meals, often having a brief chat with meal recipients at the door. It will take between one to two hours to deliver all your meals. A petrol subsidy is provided.

How often would I need to help out?

Most of our drivers deliver meals once a week every two weeks on a regular day of their choice. There is flexibility however, so if you would like to deliver once a week, or once a month we can ensure your shifts suit your lifestyle.

What are the benefits of helping out?

Our volunteers are wonderful people who love their role in their local community. For some people, the only social connection they have each day is with the New Zealand Red Cross volunteer who delivers their meal. Our volunteers say they feel like they are making a difference every day.

What do I need to become a volunteer driver?

You’ll need to be a friendly person who has their own car and a full driver licence. We’ll train you in how to carry out the role and you’ll be supported by Red Cross volunteers or staff members.

How do I find out more and sign up?

You can find out more and apply by phoning 0800 Red Cross (0800 733 27677) or apply online at redcross.org.nz/ VolunteerMealsOnWheelsDriver. Filter by the Auckland region and location to find the meal pick-up point closest to you.