By Marg Stork
IT was with deep sadness that I learned of the death of John Beus, a fellow Living Treasure of the City of Greater Dandenong.
John, who died on July 2, dedicated his life to helping the less fortunate in the City of Greater Dandenong and – before amalgamation – the City of Springvale.
For 50 years, he was a member of the Springvale Benevolent Society, where he was held in highest esteem.
I extend my sympathy to his loved ones and his many friends and will miss our conversations at Living Treasure functions and catching up on old times.
Greater Dandenong mayor Youhorn Chea paid tribute to John’s life and work. “John’s enduring commitment to the welfare of those around him led to him holding many significant roles within the Greater Dandenong community,” he said.
“His assistance and support to those less fortunate was second to none and resulted in him being officially recognised with many awards, including the senior citizen of the year award, the City of Springvale award, a Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Club of Noble Park in 1999 and the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2000.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with John’s loved ones. We have lost an outstanding friend and we will miss John dearly.”
Cornerstone’s anniversary
Over 20 years, Cornerstone Drop-In Centre, which operates at the former Church of Christ, has served up thousands of free meals to hungry people.
It’s also been blessed with volunteers of all age groups, including school students, and has received – in Pastor Don Cameron, the Cornerstone co-ordinator’s own words – “thousands of donations from caring and concerned supporters”.
Cornerstone is run by a number of local churches. More than 200 people attended a recent day of prayer and thanksgiving breakfast at the Springvale Lighthouse church.
“For those of us who have been around since the beginning it’s hard to describe what has happened at Cornerstone as anything other than a miracle,” Mr Cameron said.
“We started serving cinnamon and toast and hot drinks one Friday night and at times used powdered milk as we had no money.”
Last month, Cornerstone received a sizeable donation from the RACV that was greatly appreciated and put to immediate use.
Mr Cameron thanked the many new volunteers helping at the drop-in centre. “It’s staggering to think of all the wonderful volunteers we have today who were not part of Cornerstone this time last year.”
Any district residents, greengrocers, bakers, or food stores who can help Cornerstone’s organisers with food items can call Don Cameron on 0415 888 528 or email donindandenong@netscape.net.
Do you have a milestone, memory or question for Marg? Email marg@yourweekly.com.au or post submissions to A Moment with Marg, c/o Greater Dandenong Weekly, PO Box 318, Dandenong 3175.
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