Christmas Message from Manna Industries
Posted by Dianne Reed
on Dec 22, 2015
Bev and John Lowe are two amazing people, who can not only feed people, but clothe them as well - all on the smell of an oily rag.
Out driving one day, back in the 1990's, Bev and John spied some destitute people in their local park, so Bev decided to make some soup and take it to them. The people loved it; and Bev, asking them how they got fed on other days was surprised to learn that they 'stole' what they could. Out of that Manna Industries was born.
From taking a bowl of soup to the locals who were in need, Manna Industries has grown to provide over 6,000 meals a week for the homeless, aged and young children.
Their breakfast program started with 7 needy children at Tranby Primary school, grew to 5 other schools and then increased to many more now as well. Manna provides everything they need including the stove, frig and food. Schools provide the labour.
Out of this program they realised that there were needy children who were going to school in winter dressed only in teeshirts and shorts, so with their single minded determination have found ways of providing winter clothing for over 1,000 children in the 42 schools they operate in.
They host 5 parties a year for the elderly who have been abandoned in old people's homes. Many of these people cannot recall the last time they were invited out to something. Corporate sponsors assist at these parties by ushering people in, assisting them throughout the meals and provide sponsorship money for the privilege of doing so.
Manna Industries have over 200+ volunteers who assist them on a daily basis; including 8 girls from Boronia prison who once a week cook meals for a group of senior citizens.
Recently they packed 850 hampers to hand out to those in need over the Christmas period. They thought their cupboard was bare, but with the assistance of members of the Ascot Rotary Club we have provided them today with some goodies to help in the restocking of their cupboards.
Thank you to Manna Industries for the great work you do throughout our city; and thank you to Bev and John for your vision and energy to keep it going.