Queenslanders affected by last summer’s horror bushfire season have not been forgotten by the Freemasons with more than $202K currently being distributed to help those who most need it.
The funds were raised by Freemasons across the state as part of a Bushfire Appeal instigated by the Grand Master of the Freemasons’ United Grand Lodge of Queensland with funds raised later matched by Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland.
The funds are being distributed in the form of Eftpos cards through Hand Heart Pocket’s partners on the ground, such as the Rural Financial Counselling Service, Lifeline and Granite Belt Neighbourhood Centre. The cards will help to put food on the table and pay essential bills while supporting the local economy.
Grand Master Paul Holland said this support would prove to be even more important given the heightened level of hardship brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Queensland’s recent bushfire season was devastating enough, not to mention the ongoing drought, but the Coronavirus has compounded the incredible hardship that these communities are facing,” Mr Holland said.
“Freemason Lodges from across the state generously contributed to the campaign, and it is encouraging to know that we’ve been able to provide this assistance to help people get through such difficult circumstances.”
Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Gary Mark said the Freemason Charity was proud to match and distribute the funds raised as part of the Grand Master’s Bushfire Appeal.
“Bushfire-affected families and communities on the Scenic Rim, Darling Downs, Southern Downs, South Burnett, Central Queensland and Atherton Tablelands will receive a helping hand as part of this latest effort,” Mr Mark said.
“We know just how resilient these communities are, having supported those impacted by the drought in previous years, together with the support of Freemason Lodges.”
Photo: Grand Master of the Freemasons’ United Grand Lodge of Queensland Paul Holland.
