LOCAL dining charity, Melksham Free Dining, reflects on the impact volunteers had last year, as they encourage more people to help out and ‘join an amazing team’.
Melksham Free Dining offers a free meal to the Melksham communities on a Wednesday, along with a chance to socialise and join in with activities.
Founder of the organisation Louisa Lewis said, “There are many reasons given as to why we should volunteer – it gives a sense of purpose, it increases our wellbeing, it makes a difference, the list is endless and all have their own merit. But for me, perhaps the most important reason is that we become an integral part of our community, pulling together as one.
“As we make our commitment to a specific charity or organisation, each of us becomes an important cog in an ever-turning wheel. We create a backbone of strength and we use that strength to give vulnerable people better lives.
“Nowhere has this been more obvious than the affect the volunteers have had at Melksham Free Dining in Bowerhill Village Hill. Their many diverse skills and commitment have created a safe place full of love, nurture and care. Apart from cooking, serving, clearing and making, our volunteers spend quality time with our diners, joining in with the activities and supporting them in every which way. It is of course a two-way street and our volunteers can visibly see the difference they are making.
“Our motivation to continue with our work comes from seeing confidences being steadfastly built and witnessing friendships being forged where there were none. Our personal joy is being part of these transformations.
“Enjoying what we do is tremendously important. Without that element, the commitment would falter and so at Melksham Free Dining we make laughter the key. Certainly, that was confirmed when the volunteers recently dressed up as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, complete with the witch and the prince, to perform Disney’s classic for the diners.
“We work hard. A lot goes on behind the scenes. Our volunteers play a key role in fundraising by running stalls, making cakes and immersing themselves in any activity that gives fun and pleasure to others. Melksham Free Dining is exceptionally blessed with their volunteers. They have become a family, bonded together, one for all and all for one, in a determined effort to make a difference to other people’s lives.
“As Melksham Free Dining expands, we are looking for more volunteers to join us at Bowerhill Village Hall, both male and females. We need drivers to bring our diners on a Wednesday at 12.45pm (weekly or fortnightly rota) and take them home at 2.45pm. We also need volunteers to join us in the hall with various tasks but it is difficult to explain exactly what we do. It is physical, we work hard, it’s hands on.
“We lift and move tables and chairs, serve numerous meals at a rate of knots and deal with the unexpected request! And the flipside? You will be joining an amazing team of volunteers who are second to none.
“Could this be for you? Come and see us in action. Call me, Louisa, on 01225 374232 or Deedee on 07967 123858 to arrange an afternoon with us.”
