What did Marilyn have for dinner last night?
Today, people across Aotearoa New Zealand will sit down with toast as their main meal – because cooking is something they can no longer do on their own. But you can help.
Marilyn Brewin is 73 and lives alone in Auckland. She was a teacher for decades, earned a PhD and worked at Auckland University’s Research Centre of Excellence all while raising her family. And she has always loved cooking.
But in 2021, Marilyn was diagnosed with dementia.
Her daughter Kate lives in China. Her son John is in Sydney. They’re so far away. And the question that keeps them up at night is a simple one.
What is Mum eating?
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What your donation today will support
Before Meals on Wheels, Marilyn told us she’d sometimes just make toast for her main meal. She knew it wasn’t enough. But shopping, chopping, standing at a stove – it had become too much to manage every day.
Marilyn is not alone. Right now, across Aotearoa New Zealand, thousands of people are facing the same struggle. Age, illness, disability, or recovery from surgery has made cooking a daily battle. And when meals slip, health slips. Poor nutrition can lead to falls, hospital admissions, and a loss of the independence people treasure most.
Your support will help deliver nourishing meals – and warm human connection – to people who are doing their best to stay well and independent.
More than just a meal
Every year, more than 3,100 Red Cross representatives help deliver around 700,000 hot meals across Aotearoa New Zealand. For many people, that knock on the door is more than a meal. It's a friendly face, a moment of connection, and reassurance that someone cares. As fuel and delivery costs continue to rise, it becomes harder to keep this vital service running.
Your support can help ensure people like Marilyn continue to receive nutritious meals, maintain their independence, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing help is on the way.
"Meals on Wheels provides security for me. I always know I don't have to worry about dinner." – Marilyn Brewin
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Join a community of caring supporters who are there when a disaster strikes, when an elderly or ill neighbour needs a hot meal, when a former refugee family arrives in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In every hour of need, the ongoing support of people who care, is what makes our life-changing humanitarian work possible. So please, turn your compassion into action and become a Humanitarian Partner today.
Frequently asked questions
New Zealand Red Cross provide a Meals on Wheels delivery service to people who find it challenging to cook for themselves. Our meal delivery service helps provide a healthy meal every weekday to people all around Aotearoa New Zealand. We’ve been delivering Meals on Wheels since the 1950’s. More than a food delivery service, we provide regular social contact to our clients and an opportunity for someone to check that everything is OK. To learn more about our Meals on Wheels service, click here:
Meals on Wheels has been going strong for over 70 years. From a small kitchen in Canterbury, Meals on Wheels has developed to serve 33 locations across Aotearoa New Zealand with over 3,000 volunteers. What started out as a simple act of kindness has become a movement that is a lifeline for so many people. It's more than just delivering food – it has paved the way for friendship and companionship for people who are often isolated and vulnerable.
The funding we receive to deliver Meals on Wheels does not fully cover the costs of recruiting, training, and supporting our volunteer drivers, or the coordination required to deliver this service. Donor support helps us cover this funding gap and ensures we can continue providing this essential service to people in our communities.
Yes! We would love you to join our volunteering team. You can volunteer with us in over 50 locations around Aotearoa New Zealand. Filter by region and location to find a role in your area or nearby.
Making a regular donation is one of the most powerful ways to ensure that relief, care and hope can reach people who need it the most.
Join a community of caring supporters who are there when a disaster strikes, when an elderly or ill neighbour needs a hot meal, when a former refugee family arrives in Aotearoa New Zealand. In every hour of need, the ongoing support of people who care, is what makes our life-changing humanitarian work possible.
To learn more, click on the below link:
When you make a donation of more than $5.00, you could claim 33.33% back from IRD. We will send you a receipt for your donation within 3 business days. If you have any questions or queries, please contact our Supporter Care team on 0800 733 276 or email at fundraising@redcross.org.nz
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New Zealand Red Cross Incorporated is a registered charity (CC21860), making you eligible for a tax refund of up to a third of your donation. All transactions are billed in New Zealand dollars.
New Zealand Red Cross operates from 69 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand.