The volunteer organisation founded by John Curtin medalists Beverley and John Lowe has taken out the Gold Swan category at the 2011 WA Citizen of the Year Awards.
From humble beginnings serving homemade soup to homeless people in 1996, Manna Inc. has achieved much and grown its services despite receiving no government funding.
Manna Inc. aims to alleviate the impact of poverty and hunger, change attitudes and create a safer community.
The organisation now provides food parcels, clothes and blankets to homeless people and offers a Christmas program providing gifts for people suffering financial hardship.
Manna Inc’s indigenous funeral service provides help for families struggling to meet the cost of burying a loved one.
In 2008, a subsidiary, Manna Kids, was formed which now runs a school breakfast club, winter school uniform project and the a children’s cooking facilities project in primary schools.
A senior citizens’ arm of the operation – Manna Assist – will be launched this year.
The annual Gold Swan Award honours the organisation that demonstrates outstanding and ongoing commitment to the wider community and provides a service that improves the lives and opportunities of Western Australians.
