On 28th November 2024, BLIA South Island attended the Red Cross Meals on Wheels Annual Volunteer Gathering held at the Halswell Activities Centre in Christchurch. Invited by the New Zealand Red Cross Christchurch branch, nearly 70 volunteers participated in the event. BLIA South Island was represented by Senior Advisor Louisa KUO, Sally LIM, and committee member Miranda WU.
The New Zealand Red Cross Meals on Wheels program operates from Monday to Friday, delivering nutritious lunches to individuals unable to cook due to health or physical limitations. Supported by a nationwide team of approximately 3,000 volunteers, the initiative provides meals and care to those in need. Launched in Christchurch in 1950, the program assisted elderly individuals living alone.
BLIA South Island members had actively participated in the program since 1997, contributing 27 years of dedicated service. The gathering recognised organizations and individuals for contributions ranging from 5 to 40 years.
Pip Mabin, Manager of the Meals on Wheels Volunteer Team, expressed gratitude, noting that nearly 7 million meals had been delivered across the Canterbury region this year through the volunteers’ efforts. She commended BLIA South Island members for their exceptional commitment, emphasizing that such dedication was truly appreciated.
Louisa KUO reflected on the collaboration, describing it as both an honor and a responsibility for BLIA members to support the Red Cross and foster connections through community care.