Queensland’s housing crisis is very real. Just ask Waveny Holland, the wife of the Immediate Past Grand Master, Paul Holland.
Recently both Paul and Waveny visited Sheltered by Grace, a homeless shelter in Logan City to handover a cheque for $2,910 to support the running of the service.
“Being face-to-face with people facing this reality, as well as those that are doing their best to help, really puts into perspective what we’ve all been hearing on the news lately about Queensland’s housing crisis,” Waveny said.
Intake has increased by 75% at the shelter compared to last year.
“The people we met were so resilient in the face of such adversity. But the need is very real. I’m pleased we were able to make a difference, even in a small way.”
Waveny isn’t new to supporting the homeless. In 2019, when her husband Paul was installed as Grand Master – the highest ranking Freemason in the State – Waveny thought long and hard about the causes she wanted to get behind during his term. She kept coming back to the homeless and did her research to find a small organisation where her fundraising would have a bigger impact.
Prior to the pandemic Waveny raised much needed funds which were matched by Hand Heart Pocket to a total of $5,160 and donated it to Sheltered by Grace, her charity of choice. This enabled the charity to purchase a stove and oven for the communal kitchen. It meant they could cook for all the residents at once, which they couldn’t do with the small stove they had previously.
This latest donation was kindly donated by Grand Lodge instead of a present for the retiring Grand Master.
From time to time she has also provided around $2,000 worth of new men’s and women’s underwear, socks, leggings, slippers, thongs, toiletries and personal grooming products for the residents, donated by her friends and contacts.
“Both Paul and I are appreciative of everyone that has supported me in my community work, the Freemasons and the public have been incredibly generous,” she said.
Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Sara Parrott commended Waveny on her commitment to community.
“Waveny has set a wonderful example for us all. While homelessness continues to be a statewide issue, we can all do something to help at a local level,” Sara said.
“We empower the Freemasons of Queensland to get behind the causes that matter to them in their community by matching their giving and volunteering. If you’ve identified a community service in your area that directly helps the homeless and you want to help, then contact us to match your efforts,” she said.
Over the last year, the Freemasons of Queensland have continued to make a positive impact in communities across the state.
In 2021-22, with the support of Hand Heart Pocket our Members gave over $460,000 to the causes that matter to them in their community.
Photo: Immediate Past Grand Master, Paul Holland and his wife Waveny donated $2,910 to Sheltered by Grace.
