Efforts to scale up Men’s Shed activities on Magnetic Island have been backed by Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland, who provided a $10,000 boost on behalf of the local Freemasons.
As one of six community initiatives across Queensland, to share in over $50K as part of Hand Heart Pocket’s 2019 Grassroots Community Grants round, Magnetic Island Men’s Shed will put the funds towards the fit-out of their newly built facility – having outgrown their current space.
Ashlar Magnetic Masonic Lodge Coordinator Ian Gregory said that his Lodge had supported the Men’s Shed since 2018 and that the group was deserving of this latest grant because they not only helped their members but also the community at large.
“This really was the icing on the cake for Magnetic Island Men’s Shed, having already secured funding for the construction of the shed from elsewhere,” Ian said.
“The grant will enable the Men’s Shed to provide additional new equipment and resources.”
“A greater selection of projects will be available to members to suit their interests, so we’re excited for what they will be able to achieve in this new space and the positive impact that this will have on them both mentally and physically,” he said.
Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Gary Mark said men’s mental and physical health was one of their key focus areas as part of their long-term strategy.
“Through our grassroots support we’ve been able to fulfil a community need which will ultimately empower local men to lead better lives,” Gary said.
“We are grateful to Ashlar Magnetic Masonic Lodge for bringing this initiative to our attention so that we can make a bigger impact at a grassroots level,” he said.
Photo: (Left to right) District Grand Lodge of North Queensland Secretary Peter Drew, Ashlar Masonic Lodge Coordinator Ian Gregory and Magnetic Island Men’s Shed President Cameron Walker.
