Up to 700 meals a month are wheeled out of Martinborough’s Wharekaka kitchen to eager patrons in the south’s three main towns – as local Meals on Wheels teams of volunteer meal-makers and delivery drivers spread the nourishment.
Wharekaka Auxiliary’s annual meeting was last month advised that some 30 Martinborough volunteer drivers, plus teams in Feathersaton and Greytown, carry the meals to customers across the district.
“The contract with Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) is working well and all drivers meet required criteria,” the annual report noted, adding that local organisers Helen Meehan, Lorraine Little, Lesley Daly and Esther Read meet regularly and liaise with Masonic management who hold the contract. Masonic Lodge now controls the Wharekaka complex.
“The Auxiliary also stages regular catered meetings for all South Wairarapa drivers to provide support and updated information.”
Featherston drivers recently commenced two runs a week from Martinbough to Featherston and Greytown which has relieved some Martinborough volunteer commitments. Both Greytown and Featherston now have their own teams delivering in the respective towns.
“Our thanks go to all the volunteers in the South Wairarapa who … give their time for this much needed service, which provides 600-700 meals per month,” the Auxiliary’s report said.
With a smaller operating committee, the group advised it had focused fundraising and activities on Meals on Wheels, catered meetings, weekly mahjong, Xmas Goodies baking and end-of-year functions.
The Auxiliary extended special thanks to SW Rotary for its continuing support – notably for Meals on Wheels activity. This had included a $3,000 grant towards a new freezer to meet all criteria for storing frozen meals. The Auxiliary also thanked Masonic Management for its support for the community.
Although annual Xmas Goodies Baking sales were down – profits were $795.00 – the project will continue this Christmas – in part “to keep Wharekaka Auxiliary visible,” chairperson Esther Read noted in the report.
