A KINGSTON legend is celebrating 50 years of volunteering for Meals on Wheels this year.
Long-time Moorabbin resident Bev Smith has devoted half a century of volunteering to help make her community a more supportive, caring place to live.
“At first I tagged along with a friend of mine who was volunteering, I never dreamed I’d still be here 50 years later,” Mrs Smith said.
“But I like people, I like being around them and meeting all kinds of people and hearing their stories.”
Kingston mayor Cr David Eden paid tribute to Bev’s dedication over many years.
“Our community would be lost without the hundreds of volunteers working tirelessly all around us,” Cr Eden said.
“Bev is a local legend having dedicated 50 years to council’s Meals on Wheels program to make sure our elderly residents receive a good meal and a friendly chat each day.
“She has made a remarkable contribution and on behalf of the Kingston community I thank her for that fantastic effort.”
Bev is a strong advocate for volunteering and encouraged others to roll up their sleeves and get involved.
“It is good for you, rewarding, you make lots of friends and it is a great connection to the community,” she said.
“You get to know the people you are delivering too, the little chats are great. It’s nice to make a connection with people and helping to allow them to live in their home.”
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 8 November 2017