Midland Meals receives $11,000 donation as part of hospital’s Charity of the Year Initiative

14 Feb 2025

In its second year, the CHOTY initiative facilitates the selection of a suitable charity each year, with the recipient benefiting from funds raised across hospital events from November through October each year. Potential CHOTY candidates are nominated by hospital caregivers with a key criterion being that candidates should deliver positive outcomes within the local community. The inaugural CHOTY, Swan City Youth Services, received over $14,000 from caregiver fundraising.

Nominated by one of our caregivers, Janice McEwen, Midland Meals is a community-driven, non-profit organisation serving individuals and families facing food insecurity in Midland, Ellenbrook and Bassendean. Every week, they prepare and deliver over 870 nutritious, home-cooked meals to those in need. Operating without government funding, the organisation relies on the generosity of volunteers and community support to continue their vital work of offering nourishment, hope and a sense of community to those facing difficult circumstances.

St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals CEO, Paul Dyer, made the following comments “Our CHOTY initiative has the potential to realise positive impacts within the community we serve. We have many caregivers at the hospital who have demonstrated their overwhelming commitment to charity and helping those in need who are already volunteering at Midland Meals and I’d encourage everyone to consider doing so. The funds we raise through CHOTY will make a very real difference at Midland Meals. The work they do is invaluable, and we look forward to supporting them throughout the year.”

Midland Meals founder and CEO, Loren Pratt said the charity was thrilled to be the hospital’s second CHOTY recipient.

“It was such a terrific surprise and we are so grateful to the hospital. We are busy all year and Christmas is particularly busy. $11,000 was a genuine boost. It is money we will use to buy food, supplies and equipment so that we can keep providing meals to those who need our assistance”. He continued. “We are busier than ever and keeping up with demand is a challenge. We are always looking for volunteers and I’d encourage anyone interested to check out our website for more information”.

For more information about Midland Meals and volunteering, please visit midlandmealsinc.com.au

Pictured: Midland Meals founder and CEO, Loren Pratt (left), Hospital Director Mission Integration, Michele Allum and Hospital CEO, Paul Dyer (right) with Midland Meals volunteers, including Hospital Caregiver and Volunteer, Tanya, preparing the evening meal at Midland Meals HQ.