Masonic Care WA Head Office staff have presented a $10,000 cheque to Seeds of Hope Services, supporting their ongoing work assisting people experiencing hardship in Perth.
The funds were raised through personal contributions from staff members, with the total matched dollar for dollar by Masonic Care WA.
Seeds of Hope was founded in 1994 by Terry McBrydie, who established the initiative after experiencing homelessness himself. His vision was simple: provide practical support to those who need it most.
Today, the organisation is led by Thiyagarajan Renganathan, a former chef, alongside his wife, Herli, and daughter, who continue that mission. For the past nine years, Rajan has coordinated weekly meal distributions every Monday at 4:45pm to 5:30pm at Moore Street, next to Royal Perth Hospital. Each week, approximately 150 to 160 hot meals are served.
Meals are prepared at home by Rajan, who once worked in Fremantle cooking for 500 to 700 people at a time. He now uses that same experience to cook in bulk from his own kitchen.
“A kilo of dry rice becomes three kilos when cooked. That’s like gold for me,” he explains.
Around 10 to 15 volunteers join each Monday, bringing extra food to share. Together they prepare and distribute meals, water, fruit and other essentials. Everything is packed into the family car along with folding tables and supplies before heading into the city.
After nearly a decade of consistent service, Rajan estimates that around 90 percent of attendees are regulars. He has also observed a shift in age demographics.
“It used to be older people,” he shared. “Now it’s getting younger.”
Not all who attend are sleeping rough. Some have housing but face financial hardship or lack adequate cooking facilities. For many, Monday’s meal provides reliable support.
Community donations play a critical role. Local temples contribute rice and dry goods, while individuals donate ingredients and ready-to-eat items. Some operational costs, including water and packaging, are personally covered to ensure no one leaves without assistance.
Looking ahead, Rajan hopes to expand into distributing grocery hampers once or twice a month to around 50 families experiencing hardship. To make that possible, additional transport capacity may be needed.
The $10,000 contribution from Masonic Care WA will assist with weekly meal costs, essential supplies and future outreach plans.
The cheque was formally presented by MCWA Head Office staff, led by CEO Marie-Louise MacDonald.
This initiative reflects the generosity of MCWA staff and the organisation’s commitment to supporting community services that provide practical, consistent care to those in need.
