Meals on Wheels Central Coast volunteer Paula Hardwick has been named as the winner of the Volunteering Central Coast Volunteer of the Year 2020 Award in celebration of National Volunteer Week. The Awards, that are held every year, acknowledge the contributions that volunteers make to the Central Coast community.
Paula has shared her shiny disposition with Meals on Wheels Central Coast clients for over the past 21 years, brightening the lives of clients as she delivers meals to their doors.
Paula brings not only joy and a smile, but she also dresses up in themed outfits for her meal delivery runs. Recently Paula has been sighted delivering meals dressed as a unicorn, pilot, and as a pirate, taking the time to go the extra mile to bring smiles to the faces of those she visits.
When she can, Paula also assists with Meals on Wheels Central Coast Community Restaurants. Although not currently running due to COVID-19, Paula is keen to get back to helping at these when they re-open.
“Paula is a wonderful asset to our organisation,” CEO of Meals on Wheels Central Coast Dennis Taylor said.
“It takes a special person to volunteer and Paula is the highlight in many a clients’ day. She, along with all of our volunteers, help combat social isolation, which is incredibly important especially in the current climate.
“We celebrate and acknowledge all of them this National Volunteer Week,” Mr Taylor said.
Paula will be able to accept her award at a special presentation on 4 November 2020 at the Volunteering Expo to be held at Erina.
It is due to volunteers like Paula that Meals on Wheels Central Coast can deliver over 15,000 meals to around 800 clients per month.
