Brian and Josie Reasons have been delivering Meals on Wheels to the Creswick community for the last five years and say it's an incredibly rewarding way to spend their days. Now in their eighties, the husband and wife duo travel together 2-3 times a week to deliver nutritious meals and provide valuable social connections to people within their community. Some days, the Reasons visit more than twenty people in the area starting in Creswick but going out as far as Smeaton.
Driven by a desire to give back, the Reasons have found their visits to be more than just a task—they’ve become trips to see their friends and cherished moments filled with connection and purpose.
Josie shares that each visit brightens her day just as much as it does for the people she sees.
“It’s not just about delivering food; it’s about making sure the people in our town feel that people are looking out for them. They're always happy when you walk in - sometimes we’ll be the only people they speak to that day. The smiles on their faces are just amazing and extremely rewarding.”
Brian recalls moments where the impact of their service is evident.
“We’ve met so many lovely people who just need a friendly face and a bit of help. And it’s not always just delivering the meals and having a chat – we’ve helped in all sorts of ways. Some people need help with reading their mail or getting it from the mailbox and others have asked us to help with some tailoring of their clothes. We’re always happy to help in any way we can. And we're not giving them a handout, we’re give them a hand up.”
Meals on Wheels provides essential support to people who may be isolated, elderly, or recovering from illness, and it serves as a critical lifeline for many. Volunteers like Brian and Josie deliver more than meals—they bring comfort, safety, and a sense of community.
Beyond the positive impact on those they serve, the Reasons emphasise how volunteering has enriched their lives.
“It’s brought us closer as a couple, given us a purpose, and connected us to our community in ways we hadn’t expected,” says Brian.
The Creswick Meals on Wheels program is currently seeking volunteers to help people like Brian and Josie keep the program strong. If you’re looking to make a meaningful difference, consider joining this vital service. As Brian and Josie’s story shows, the rewards of volunteering extend far beyond the meals you deliver.
“If you're at all curious at all about helping, pick up the phone and give it a try because I think you'll be hooked. I would say nine out of ten people have enjoyed it once they gave it a go and you won’t know until you try. It's only a few hours a week and the rewards are worth it", Brian adds.
About Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels are delivered Monday to Friday usually between 11am-1pm.
To find out more or to sign up, please email our Volunteer Engagement Manager at Di.Connors@chrh.org.au.
More information: Delivered Meals
