By Danielle Collis
A MT MARTHA restaurant has prepared more than 1000 meals for Mornington Community Information and Support Centre to deliver to people and families in need.
Volpino owner David Weill said a customer who donated $1000 had wanted to help keep the restaurant in business during the coronavirus emergency while also helping the broader community.
Mr Weill contacted the Mornington Peninsula Foundation about the customer’s plan and was put in touch with the Mornington Community Information and Support Centre.
The centre’s general manager Stuart Davis-Meehan said due to coronavirus restrictions the centre had replaced its face-to-face meal program with food deliveries.
The meal program costs $10 a meal and is prepared, cooked and stored within Volpino’s registered kitchen to meet municipal food and safety regulations.
After an influx of donations from the community by the second week of the project, Volpino increased its 50 meals a week to 100 meals a week.
Mr Davis-Meehan said the pre-cooked meals are available to those who may be struggling financially or facing hardship.
Mr Weill said donations from the community were also keeping people employed. “We had kids donating from their piggy banks,” he said
“This situation has been terrible for so many people and so many businesses, but it’s brought out a lot of good in people, I think.”
With more than $16,000 raised and 1000 meals prepared, Volpino has set a goal of 2000 meals.
Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Sam Hearn said: “Stories such as this fill me with confidence that by working together we will get through this and come out the other side as a stronger and more resilient community.”
Mr Davis-Meehan said he was surprised by the kindness of the community and would like to see the project continue operating even after restrictions have eased.
“It might become a new string in our bow,” he said.
If you are in immediate danger, call 000 or you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, call 1800 825 955.
First published in the Mornington News – 16 June 2020
