MIDLAND Meals was officially handed keys to a new van on Monday with improved storage capacity to deliver meals and their services to people experiencing homelessness.

Founder Loren Pratt said receiving the vehicle, thanks to support from Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, Midland Toyota, and the Swan Chamber of Commerce, marked a turning point for the charity which began with volunteers using their own cars.

“When we first talked about this back in March, it was just a pipe dream,” he said.

“Now it’s here and it’s not just a vehicle, it’s a symbol of how much the community believes in what we’re doing.”

Giving wheels to Midland Meals (Echo News, February 21) reported Mr Pratt was using his own personal vehicle for food collection and delivery and said a vehicle for the group would reduce much of the personal wear and tear.

Mr Pratt said the new van would take a lot of the overhead worries off his mind and add more respect to the name of Midland Meals.

“There’s charity but sometimes charity can go too far when you’re expecting people like your volunteers to drive their own vehicles,” he said.

“Now I can say, ‘Hey, our driver will drive the van down for you,’ and it just gives more decorum and grace to what we’re doing.

“I’m just blown away by the support from businesses in this town that back us up, leading what we’re doing and although they can’t be down there serving, they’re saying we’ll find our own way to help you behind the scenes.

“Like a volcano you need what’s happening behind the scenes, to bubble away and make what you see at the top happen and it’s just great to have that support.”

The van is decorated with the organisation’s logo on its two broadest sides, a design that was created by Mr Pratt’s daughter.

“The circle is a full plate and of course the bite out of it is representing people eating,” he said.

“There’s also an arrow there pointing upwards because we want to point people upwards and that’s our whole thing.

“No matter where you are in your life’s journey, we want to come beside you and lift you up and that’s all they need down there.

“That logo says, ‘We’re here to lift you up,’ so they can smile because they know that there are people there that want to make a difference for them.”

Mr Pratt said the donation came together in a matter of weeks, with help from people like Midland Toyota dealer principal Paul Cannon and contributions covering insurance, fuel and signage.

He described the moment as emotional and humbling, crediting the wider business community and Chamber of Commerce for stepping up behind the scenes.

Mr Pratt said the van would make a difference in the charity’s ability to spread kindness to the community by facilitating more convenient food transportation.

“We’re here to love people with no judgment – no matter their story,” Mr Pratt said.

With more than 170 volunteers supporting everything from food prep to logistics, Mr Pratt said the service was a true community effort.

“I can’t name just one person, because this only works as a team,” he said.

“If you’re reading this and want to make a difference, there’s room for everyone.”

To find out more or to volunteer, visit the Midland Meals Facebook page or reach out via the group’s local contacts.