FOR Phyllis Paganoni and Lois Portelli, the decision to begin volunteering with a local Meals on Wheels service in the 1990s has not only resulted in great personal reward and satisfaction, but a firm friendship that now spans almost a quarter of a century.
The buddies have now been delivering meals to dozens of seniors from Melville to Mandurah every week for years, and have become known as the much-loved ‘Tuesday girls’ to Palmyra-based Chorus customers, the community-based service for whom they volunteer.
East Fremantle resident Mrs Paganoni, 85, and Melville resident Mrs Portelli, 73, met in 1995 on their very first Meals on Wheels delivery together.
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READ NOWMrs Paganoni realised that Mrs Portelli’s husband was her childhood friend and neighbour, whom she had not seen for more than 50 years.
That connection was the foundation for what has become a sound friendship, with the ladies now sharing the driving and delivering over 80 meals for seniors and those living with disability every month.
Mrs Paganoni said it was a very rewarding role she loved helping people out.
“You get to know people and they really look forward to seeing you, plus I think it keeps my mind active as well as keeping me moving,” she said.
Chorus is currently looking for locals with a few spare hours on their hands every week to join its Meals on Wheels team as volunteers, interest people can contact 9435 1379 or via mandy.waters@cfi.net.au.
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