Lunch for funds

HAVING a bite with youth worker Les Twentyman and the founder of Open Family, Father Bob Maguire, next Thursday, may help provide a feed for Cardinia Shire residents who have hit hard times.
The inspirational speakers are coming to the Cardinia Cultural Centre for a fundraising lunch hosted by the Cardinia Foundation. Half the profits will benefit emergency relief provider 4Cs, and the rest will go to other community projects within the shire.
The event is Mr Twentyman’s first speaking engagement since he awoke from an induced coma earlier this year.
Mr Twentyman entered hospital for lap-band surgery, but surgeons uncovered a double hernia while he was on the operating table. He then suffered an infection and was placed into a coma.
Mr Twentyman, who has previously visited Pakenham and Kooweerup, will speak on issues such as disengaged youth and poverty in Pakenham.
He will speak about his life story and answer questions from the crowd.
Chairman of the Cardinia Foundation, Brian Paynter, caught up with Mr Twentyman during the week in preparation for the lunch.“Les is a legend in the western districts. His commitment to youth and social welfare was rewarded with a Medal of the Order of Australia in 1994. Les is a champion in the true sense of the word. We are extremely fortunate and, in fact, proud to host both Les and Father Bob at our luncheon,” Mr Paynter said.
Tickets for the two-course lunch are $55 and can be purchased by contacting Di Padgett on 0407 140 562 or d.padgett@cardiniafoundation.com.au