Much More Than a Meal
For more than a decade, Annette Meyer has been the friendly force behind one of Dunstan Hospital’s most vital community services, Meals on Wheels. From her base in Alexandra, she coordinates a small army of volunteers who deliver not only hot meals, but also warmth, connection, and care to people across Central Otago.
“Each meal represents not just nourishment, but independence.”
“I’m the coordinator in Alexandra for the Meals on Wheels drivers,” Annette explains. “I used to do all the rosters myself, but now the coordinator of Alexandra Community Advice Network (ACAN) helps with those. The rosters go out every three months — we need three drivers a day, five days a week, plus one in Clyde. All up, that’s around 16,000 meals a year delivered in this area.”
Behind those numbers lies a remarkable network of volunteers who give their time and energy to support others. “The meals are important, of course,” says Annette, “but it’s also about checking in on people. If a driver finds someone’s not at home the blinds are still down, the house is locked up they report back to us straight away. We let the hospital know, and they make contact to make sure everything’s okay. Sometimes it’s nothing, but other times it’s made a real difference.”
That quiet, daily contact can be life-changing. “For some of our clients, the driver might be the only person they see all day. So it’s really important that we give them a cheerful smile, a quick hello — just a bit of connection. It reminds them they’re part of the community.”
Annette’s pride in her team is unmistakable. “Our volunteers are incredible. Many are retired, and they give their time because they see the need. Volunteer work is done because people want to do it. We know there’s a gap there no one else covers it and being able to help is so rewarding.”
That spirit of giving back defines Central Otago’s sense of community. “At our age,” Annette laughs, “it’s not about climbing ladders or chasing things anymore. It’s about helping others one person at a time. And honestly, it gives us as much satisfaction as it does the people we deliver to.”
Meals on Wheels is coordinated through Dunstan Hospital, but it’s powered by local people, neighbours helping neighbours. Each meal represents not just nourishment, but independence. It allows older residents, or those recovering from illness, to stay in their homes longer with the security of knowing someone will check in on them.
“Sometimes it’s the small things that make the biggest difference,” Annette says. “Knowing someone’s coming today, that they’ll knock on the door and say hi, that can change how a person feels about their whole day.”
She’s quick to note that none of it would be possible without community support and Dunstan Hospital’s ongoing partnership with local groups. “It’s a real team effort,” she says. “From the kitchen staff at Dunstan who prepare the meals, to the volunteers who deliver them, to the hospital team who step in if something doesn’t seem right — everyone plays a part in looking after our community.”
Support the People Who Support Our Community
Meals on Wheels is just one of the many services made possible by Dunstan Hospital’s connection with its community. Through the Dunstan Hospital Foundation, donations help fund essential equipment, patient comfort, and community programmes that make a lasting difference.
Every contribution — big or small — supports the care that reaches beyond hospital walls, keeping people nourished, connected, and cared for in their own homes. Donate today.