A Perth couple who set up a charity to help provide meals for homeless people in inner-city Perth have been named the winners of the 2010 John Curtin Medal.
In 1996, Beverley and John Lowe drove past a group of homeless people and Mrs Lowe suggested they go home and make soup for them.
Since then, their initial act of kindness has evolved into Manna Industries, the largest volunteer-run food program in WA.
For eight years, Mr and Mrs Lowe prepared food from their home kitchen to distribute in Northbridge.
Last year, Manna Industries served 53,000 meals to Perth's homeless and serves 1200 meals to homeless people every week.
In 2001, Mr and Mrs Lowe expanded Manna Industries to include a breakfast program for primary school children.
Manna Industries served 10,000 breakfasts to hungry school children last year.
Curtin University's Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Robyn Quin said Mr and Mrs Lowe were very worthy recipients of the award.
"Mr and Mrs Lowe are an inspiring couple who put the needs of others first, as part of their personal quest to make the world a better place," said Professor Quin.
"By awarding the John Curtin Medal to Beverley and John Lowe, Curtin University honours their personal commitment and contribution to the lives of homeless people in Northbridge over the past decade, and more recently their work feeding and clothing young people."
The couple said they were honoured to receive the award.
"We created Manna Industries because we are passionate about helping others," said Mrs Lowe.
"For our efforts to be recognised with such a prestigious award is very humbling.
"Helping others brings us many rewards.
"We make meals served with love and treat every person with respect and dignity, which is just as important as the meal."
