Slaithwaite Volunteer Kim retires after nine years of Meals on Wheels Service
A farewell to Kim has taken place, after 9 years dedicating her time to Slaithwaite Meals on Wheels – creating, organising and delivering hot, home cooked meals and vital social contact to elderly and vulnerable residents across the village. Volunteers and friends gathered to mark the occasion, paying tribute to nearly a decade of unwavering commitment. Kim now hands the wheel to Sandy, who will steer the service forward.
Kim’s connection to Slaithwaite Meals on Wheels began through her work at Cummins Turbo Technologies, where the company’s “Every Employee, Every Community” scheme encourages all staff to give their time to local causes. What started as part of that commitment soon became something far more personal. When Kim retired from Cummins, rather than stepping back, she stayed on, continuing to volunteer alongside her husband, who took on the role of a chef. The two of them, worked side by side to keep hot meals reaching those who needed them most.
Slaithwaite Meals on Wheels was established in 2011 with funding support from the Hairy Bikers, the TV chefs known for supporting community food projects across the UK. From those early days, the service has grown into the volunteer – led operation it is today, delivering hot meals and vital social contact to elderly and vulnerable residents across the village.
It was during the Covid – 19 pandemic, however, that the true impact of the organisation became clear. Joining forces with Slaithwaite Mutual Aid, the organisation dramatically scaled up its delivery service to meet soaring demand. Kim took inspiration from the traditional milkman round, and the volunteers began to leave meals on doorsteps for residents to collect safely – a simple solution that, with the support of Mutual Aid volunteers, allowed the service to deliver between 200-300 meals a day at the height of the pandemic.
Since then, the service has continued to grow, expanding beyond Slaithwaite to reach residents in Linthwaite, Marsden and Meltham.
When asked why others should volunteer, Kim said: “It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and become part of the community. It’s nice to give back and help others. Why wouldn’t you want to support?”
A final thank you goes to Kim for her constant hard work and support to the organisation, helping to create a system that ensures as many service users as possible receive their hot meals. Good luck to her as she retires and begins her new journey – supporting Meltham Crossroads Food Bank, alongside some well – earned travelling.
Sandy will taking over as Lead Volunteer after helping out at the group for over 9 months. She stepped forward as she did not want to see this vital service close if a replacement for Kim could not be found. Sandy brings with her accounting skills and will fit volunteering in around being a Mum to 8 children and her role as Director of a family business.
For more information or if you’d like to volunteer with Slaithwaite Meals on Wheels, visit https://www.facebook.com/slawit.mow/
Article Written by Jess Huartson, Community Reporter Volunteer
Photography by Geoff Halpin, Volunteer Photographer.