Families and communities in drought-affected Queensland will receive a hand up in the lead up to Christmas, with Freemason Lodges and Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland having made a collective contribution of $110,000.
With two thirds of the state in drought (as at mid-2019), Freemason Lodges across Queensland wanted to help those in most need, which saw Hand Heart Pocket pledge to match Lodge contributions dollar-for-dollar, from September to early December of this year.
Hand Heart Pocket CEO Gary Mark said the funds were currently being distributed in the form of Hand Heart Pocket eftpos cards through its charity partners on the ground.
“This year we have partnered with the Murilla Community Centre, Care Goondiwindi, the Rural Financial Counselling Service and the Western Queensland Drought Committee to ensure that the funds get to those that need it most,” Gary said.
“The gift cards will help families to put food on the table and pay essential bills, while keeping the funds in the local community, in support of local businesses.”
“We hope this hand up will provide some relief and spread a little bit of joy to people doing it tough in drought conditions this Christmas,” he said.
This latest contribution to drought-affected communities is in addition to $1.45M provided by the Charity and its members during 2015 to 2018.
