Integral members of the Northern Beaches Food Services team John Vanthoff and Robert Piper are typically joined by Rex the dog on their visits to clients of The Benevolent Society.

The trio has become a much-loved and well-oiled machine for our Meals on Wheels service, which is only possible thanks to the contribution of our volunteers.

A seasoned volunteer of sixteen years and counting, John initially joined The Benevolent Society on the suggestion of his wife. Rex the dog would occasionally join the couple on their ‘runs’ which back then, consisted of as many as 31 a week. Today, while his wife is no longer able to join him, John and his dog Rex still volunteer about one day a week, and sometimes they make their deliveries together with fellow volunteer, Robert.

Having previously worked in the aged care sector, in hospitals and in hospitality, Robert is a ‘people person’ and has always had a particular affinity for those of mature generations.

The trio – John, Robert and Rex – have developed a great rapport with the clients they visit and each volunteer gives not just his time but also something more and of immeasurable worth.

“I think it’s great that Rex comes along when John and I do our runs together. Dogs are therapeutic and Rex makes people smile; he makes them happy. We’ve got one client with early-onset dementia and Rex really helps to lift her spirits; you can see it on her face, and it’s truly a rewarding sight,” says Robert.

“Volunteering is a good experience because you’re doing something for someone; you’re being selfless, helping the public. When people get older, they shouldn’t be made to feel any less competent than when they were younger.”

Meals on Wheels, provided by Northern Beaches Food Services, is especially designed for frail older people as well as those with a disability, and their carers who live in the Pittwater or Warringah NSW local government areas. It’s a service that means many of our clients can remain in their own homes, with nutritious food delivered daily thanks in large part to the contribution of our volunteers.  The service also extends to our clients in residential aged care facilities, and each delivery typically sparks an invaluable connection between our volunteers and clients.

“I remember the first time I delivered to the War Vets, which is a big aged residential facility in Collaroy,” describes Robert.

“It was during that first delivery when I met a Colonel. At first, he seemed like Colonel Cranky. I made the delivery on time but the Colonel considered it late. After a while, he wasn’t so cranky anymore and would even say ‘good to see you’ which made me feel really valued.

“Most clients are appreciative. For some clients, we take the food out of the bag and put it away for them. It’s just helping out a bit and doing it from your heart that’s like nothing else. 

For one client for example, I helped to stop birds flying into his window by tying a few CDs together and hanging them up. He was so grateful. It’s these little extra things that show people they’re cared for, and that’s the most rewarding bit for me,” adds John.

Approximately 600 people volunteer across all areas of The Benevolent Society, making-up one third of the organisation’s entire workforce. Many of the services offered by The Benevolent Society – Australia’s oldest charity – are possible only because of the contribution of volunteers.