THEY started as volunteers under her leadership and now some are recipients of the daily meals delivered from the kitchen of Capalaba Meals on Wheels.
Such is the longevity of immediate past president Joy Bonney, of Capalaba, who stepped down in September after continuous service as president since 1983.
At age 79, Joy said she could see a day when she too may receive some of the meals, although she said she was still more than comfortable in the kitchen.
“My husband (former councillor, the late John Bonney) was a chef and my son is a chef at Little Ships Club at Amity,” she said.
“He reckons he didn’t stand a chance. He was born when I started with Meals on Wheels and grew up talking food and menus. In those days, we used to cook in our private kitchens.”
Joy said that although it “was time” for her retirement, she missed visiting the centre every day.
“I live close to the kitchen. I’d just do some filing or take phone calls. If someone didn’t show up, I’d do the run,” she said.
Joy said she was continuing as a volunteer at the centre by doing a delivery once a week. This delivery also includes a weekly home delivery of the Redland City News.
“I think of the volunteers and the recipients as extended family. I’ve made a lot of friendships,” she said.
“I always feel sad when a recipient passes away. But I also feel glad to know that we have done the very best for them while they were here.
“There are no accolades. Meals on Wheels isn’t about anyone doing anything on their own. Everyone is there to do their bit and support one another. It’s a team effort.”
That said, Joy said leaving Meals on Wheels had left a hole in her life, that she hadn’t as yet got used to.
“It has always kept me going – through the death of John in 2010 and my mother in 1998. It gave me somewhere to turn,” she said.
The centre will celebrate its 50th meeting anniversary in October 2025 and first delivery on March 6, 2026.
Joy has three children, all in the Redlands, with 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
“I say if you walk in with a smile on your face, they walk out with a smile,” she said.
