How a community garden became Peter's way of giving back
When Peter first decided to volunteer with Meals on Wheels, he thought he'd be delivering meals. Instead, he found himself in the community garden.
"My wife passed away a couple of years ago and I've never really been a person who went out much," Peter says. After applying to volunteer, he received a call from his local Meals on Wheels asking if he’d like to help start a garden club. "Ever since then, I've been here."
Today, Peter spends his time tending the garden, growing fresh produce and creating a welcoming space for others. “I like it when we've got produce because the people always ask for it,” he says.
For Peter, volunteering has become a source of purpose and connection. "If you've got nice plants around everywhere, it's a bit relaxing. I enjoy it."
While many volunteers provide companionship through meal deliveries, others care by preparing meals, answering phones, welcoming visitors, supporting social activities, maintaining community gardens or helping behind the scenes. Every role contributes to Meals on Wheels clients feeling supported, connected and valued.
This community garden is one. It's a place where fresh produce is grown, but it's also a place where volunteers come together, build friendships and create a welcoming environment that benefits clients, volunteers and the wider community.
Volunteering also has a positive impact on those who give their time. Meals on Wheels volunteers in NSW reported an 11 per cent increase in wellbeing compared with people of similar demographics, with many describing a stronger sense of purpose, connection and belonging.
"If anybody's thinking about volunteering," Peter says, "I do recommend it."