Meals on Wheels receives Christmas surprise

The vital work of delivering meals to people in Narrabri has been bolstered by the generous support of the community at the inaugural Christmas tree display in Maitland Street.

Meals on Wheels service coordinator Donna MacMillan met with the Christmas tree display organiser Jenny Wilson and The Courier this week to share the success of the first event.

More than $4000 has been donated to Meals on Wheels and the community has been credited with supporting the event which also acted as a fundraiser for the vital community service.

Mrs MacMillan said the donation came at a welcome time, with Narrabri Meals on Wheels expected to have a budget shortfall of almost $7000 this financial year.

The organisation is run to provide the meals to clients at cost, ensuring they are reasonably priced.

Government funding is inadequate and hasn’t kept up with cost pressures meaning Meals on Wheels is reliant on fundraising and donations more than ever.

“We are lucky that Jenny had a winner of an idea,” Mrs MacMillan said.

“It was a nice Christmas surprise.

“Like everyone else, we’re feeling it with insurance being more expensive, electricity is going up and so are wages.

“We can no long run solely from volunteers anymore.”

In an ideal world, Mrs MacMillan said the Narrabri organisation would have its own building and prepare meals for clients.

“But we need backing and grants to do that,” she said.

After hearing of the Christmas tree display somewhere, Mrs Wilson adapted the idea for Narrabri and was keen to ensure any money it raised stayed in Narrabri.

“I knew that Meals on Wheels needed financial support,” she said.

“We will be back this year bigger and better.”

Mrs Wilson thanked the volunteers who ensured the pop-up display was a success.

The shop was provided by nearby businessowners Catherine and Martin Browne.

“I was aiming for 20 trees and $1000. We ended up with 38 trees and more than $4000,” Mrs Wilson said.

Winners were also announced, with a judges’ choice presented to the Plant Breeding Institute at the Christmas street carnival in December. On Christmas Eve, the people’s choice winner was determined by the most money in a tree’s box. That prize went to NDCAS’ supported playgroup Busy Little Hands.