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Give2Good Week: why now is perfect time to give something back
Staff writerComment News
Comment NewsSouth
Thornlie couple John and Beverley Lowe have dedicated most of their lives to helping people in need.
Now aged in their 80s, they founded Manna in 1996 and dedicated 22 years to the Victoria Park-based charity, which serves 55,000 meals to Perth's homeless each year in addition to thousands of breakfasts to hungry school children and food parcels to people in need.
They left the organisation three years ago to start a new charity, Moort Care, linking up with not-for-profits and several metropolitan hospitals to supply hampers, blankets and other necessities to disadvantaged seniors and families across the State.
"We provide a range of services which continues to grow, all with the goal of increasing the mental and physical health and welfare of anyone in need within WA," Mrs Lowe said.
"We have built many relationships and connections through the work that we do and it brings a wonderful sense of fulfilment and gratification to be able to make a significant contribution to the quality of life of those less fortunate.
Camera IconMoort Care team member Loren Pratt (left) with Thornlie MLA Chris Tallentire, and John Lowe, Irene Indich, and Bev Lowe, who are also part of the team. Credit: Supplied
"I have been involved with charities since I was 10 years old. I thoroughly recommend volunteering or helping others in some capacity."
Mr and Mrs Lowe were each awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2008 for their services to the community.
They are sharing their story in the lead up to Give2Good Week from March 21-27 in the hope it will encourage others to begin their own philanthropic journey.
An initiative of WA community foundation Give2Good Foundation, it aims to inspire West Australians to donate to charities at a time when giving is decreasing and demand for services is rising amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"While many charities are facing challenging times ahead, we must continue to work towards creating a culture of giving in WA, which is what Give2Good Week is all about," Public Trustee Brian Roche said.
"While there are many different motivations and methods of giving, it's good to see an increased interest from donors wanting to leave a lasting legacy, such as a bequest to the Give2Good Foundation – one that will offer ongoing financial support to a good cause for generations to come."
Heart Foundation WA chief executive Sarah Fordham said ensuring we have thriving charitable organisations is critical to the wellbeing of society.
Camera IconHeart Foundation chief executive Sarah Fordam (centre) with volunteers Larraine Keatch and Jeanne Kennedy. Credit: Supplied
"Charities and good causes deliver vital services in our communities and we all benefit from them on so many different levels," she said.
"Give2Good Week is the perfect opportunity to express our gratitude to the dedicated volunteers and donors at the Heart Foundation.
"Their contributions enable our organisation to continue the important work we do in reducing heart disease and improving the heart health and quality of life of all Australians."
Stories of local kindness and generosity can be shared across social media using the tag #CelebrateGiving.
Visit give2goodweek.com.au to find out more or go to give2good.com.au to make a donation or leave a lasting legacy with a bequest.
Funds are pooled and invested to generate returns, providing a revenue stream supporting donor-directed charities and good causes.
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