Council rallies to help Cornerstone

By Shaun Inguanzo
GREATER Dandenong council has come to the aid of a local charity targeted by thieves last month.
Cornerstone Contact Centre, a drop-in centre in central Dandenong for homeless and disadvantaged people, was last month left ailing after thieves stole a trailer from its premises.
The charity used the trailer to transport food and help its clients move home, and for other operational activities.
After reading Star’s report on 3 April, Cornerstone pastor Max Walker said he was flooded with calls from residents willing to help.
An elderly couple who had a smaller trailer they did not use donated it to Cornerstone.
Mr Walker was also approached by Dandenong Ward councillor Jim Memeti who urged him to apply for an occasional grant.
This week, Cr Memeti told Star that Cornerstone had qualified for the grant and would receive the maximum of $1000 to help it purchase a new trailer.
“I thought the theft was a low act and then thought, how can I help?” Cr Memeti said.
“All of these organisations are the heartbeat of the community, and I support all volunteer organisations,” he said.
Mr Walker said Cornerstone was grateful for Cr Memeti and the council’s help and would look at purchasing a second-hand or refurbished trailer.
He said the new trailer would not be stored at Cornerstone.