Cornerstone scores $50K in golf fundraiser

Robert La Torre ( Campeyn Group) at the Take a Swing for Charity golf day at Kingston Health. 388193_13 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Corporate golfers raised about $50,000 as part of the annual Take A Swing for Charity event on 20 February.

More than 90 golfers from 23 businesses strode the iconic Kingston Heath fairways and greens, pitching in for this year’s charity partner Cornerstone.

The funds will help build a multi-purpose for storing food items and emergency relief at the Dandenong-based centre.

It would help double the centre’s hours of operation and support up to 300 extra people a week.

Cornerstone is also hoping to build a drop-in space at its community garden.

The centre provides sit-down meals, food parcels, a mobile laundry and shower as well as a community health nurse for the homeless.

In its 15th year, Take a Swing has raised $700,000 for 17 local charities, helping thousands experiencing food insecurity, poverty, homelessness, domestic violence and health issues.

Funds have also supported programs to remove barriers to employment and to assist people with disabilities.

Sandra George has organised the joint City of Greater Dandenong-industry event from its inception.

She said the golfers shared a “special feeling” of “collective happiness” while giving for charity.

Ms George was particularly thankful for the dedicated volunteers as well as businesses including Gold sponsor KPJ Group, Silver sponsors Grenda Group and Erntec and Bronze sponsors McPherson Kelley, Telstra Business Teconology Centre Dandenong and Booran Motors.