Among the attendees was Ian Stewart, our Volunteer of the Year, together with long-serving volunteers Anne Court, who continues to give her time to our organisation after 15 years, and Tina Madafferi, who now volunteers at our Malvern op shop. Tina’s journey with mecwacare began more than 20 years ago when she started delivering meals on wheels to vulnerable people in the community.
Speaking at the event, Michele Lewis, mecwacare Chief Executive said: “Australians have a great tradition of giving back and of reaching out to support those who most need it.
“In 1959, this commitment led a group of volunteers to establish mecwacare.
“mecwacare’s 500 volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, speak different languages and represent a range of ages, from one of our youngest, who is 19 and volunteers with our South Gippsland meals on wheels services to another who is 91 and continues to volunteer at our East Malvern workshop,” Michele said.
“Some of our longest-standing volunteers have given their time to mecwacare for over 50 years,” said Ian McHutchison, mecwacare Board Chairman.
“Thank you to all our volunteers, and congratulations to all our award winners; you embody the giving, caring spirit of mecwacare and we will always appreciate all that you do for us,” Ian said.
Photo: John Iddles & Marg Staples
