Bringing a smile and a meal to those who need it
21 June 2024
Peacemore Johannes was working as a community support worker in Hamilton when she first came across New Zealand Red Cross Meals on Wheels volunteers.
“I would see the ladies bringing food for my clients and I thought, ‘what a good service’”, Peacemore recalls.
Then three years ago she became very sick, and at one point was so unwell she couldn’t cook.
“My son was going to school and to work and had to cook for us as well. He was a teenager, but he was very good – I was lucky to have him.
Peacemore Johannes
She remembered meeting the volunteers on her rounds in the city.
“My mind went back to that scene, to those clients who didn’t have anyone to bring them food, who didn’t have family to help, not even anyone to talk to.”
Peacemore, who came to New Zealand from Southern African Region (Zimbabwe) about eight years ago, says it was at that point she told herself that if she ever got better, she’d apply to be a Meals on Wheels volunteer.
Still new in the role, and a month in, she already loves it.
“It’s just an opportunity to put a smile on their face. I’m helping them but also making use of my life at the same time.
“I really understand them. And they are so grateful.”
Peacemore is one of about 3,000 Meals on Wheels volunteers out on the roads across New Zealand delivering hot, nutritious meals and a friendly smile to those who need the service.
New Zealand Red Cross, which has been delivering meals on wheels since the 1950s, is always looking for more people like Peacemore, who have a car and are able to give their time for a couple of hours every fortnight to deliver meals in their area.
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