Delivering kindness – teen serves community during gap year

Just one day after turning 18, Grace Gunn did her first shift as a Meals on Wheels delivery driver. By eagerly stepping into the role as soon as she was eligible, she’s become one of our youngest Meals on Wheels volunteers.

After finishing high school last year, Hamilton-based Grace decided to take a gap year before pursuing her future goals.

“Volunteering appealed because I wanted to do something that gives back to the community. I've always liked the idea but never had time before because I was super busy with school and theatre activities outside of school,” says Grace.

She found out about Meals on Wheels through her mum who had seen some information on Facebook. Keen to get involved, Grace got in touch with her local Meals on Wheels programme coordinator in February, a month before turning 18 – the minimum age requirement to volunteer as a driver.

Training and support 

While waiting for her birthday, Grace completed the application process and shadowed an experienced Meals on Wheels volunteer in her area, ensuring she would be fully prepared to begin volunteering herself as soon as she turned 18.

“The volunteer did a whole shift with me, giving me lots of little tips, information about who we were delivering to, and how to order everything. It was super helpful.”

Since March, Grace has been driving for Meals on Wheels fortnightly, delivering around 20 to 25 meals each shift, which takes her about 2.5 hours. She feels well-supported in her new volunteer role.

“We get messages before every shift and if you ever need anything during the shift there are numbers you can contact. 

“And then all of the other volunteers… every time that I have shown up and there's a new thing I've not done before, they're all super willing to show me what to do… even if we’ve just met.”

More than a delivery service

Grace enjoys both driving and connecting with meal recipients.

“I love spending two or three hours every couple of weeks driving around for a bit, it’s really fun. The recipients I’ve met are all nice. They'll stop to talk sometimes, and we'll have little conversations.”

Although she’s new to the volunteering role, Grace is already starting to notice the personal benefits it brings.

“I get a bit nervous meeting and talking to new people, and this role is helping me to feel more confident,” she says.

“Then there’s the more practical stuff, you get better at being organised, making lists, problem-solving and navigating places. I’ve got really good at using Google Maps and driving around the suburbs in Hamilton.”

Grace’s advice to young people considering volunteering is to go for it.

“It’s fun, everyone’s super nice and it’s a good way to get a feel for the types of things you enjoy.”

More information

Our Meals on Wheels service supports older, ill, and disabled people living at home who would otherwise struggle to provide healthy meals for themselves.

If you’re keen to deliver hot meals to people in need across New Zealand, Meals on Wheels is looking for volunteers.

Find out more and apply to be a Meals on Wheels volunteer

If you want to get involved in our work, join us! We have nearly 50 branches across the country and volunteer roles to suit everyone.

Find a volunteer role

Learn more about ways that young people can volunteer and get involved with us.

Volunteer opportunities for youth