PRESS RELEASE

Freemasons contribute $500,000 to the flood relief effort in Queensland

The Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of NSW and ACT, Dr. Gregory Levenston, is pleased to announce that masoniCare, the Grand Charity arm of Freemasonry in NSW and ACT, will donate $100,000 to the flood relief appeal in Queensland.

This matches the $100,000 donated by the Freemasons of Victoria, and when added to the  $250,000 from the Freemasons of Queensland and donations anticipated  from South Australia/Northern Territory and Western Australia, will total  more than $500,000.

“The flood disaster has caused massive damage not only to homes, property, plant and equipment, but also to lives and livelihoods. In times like these, we need to provide assistance wherever we can to those in the various communities hit by one of the worst floods in recent history,” said Dr Levenston.

“We have been in close liaison with the Grand Lodge of Queensland in relation to its Grand Master’s Flood Appeal, and will work with them in doing what we can to assist.

“Disaster relief meetings have been held in Sydney to discuss how we should assist and what our next steps should be.

“In addition, as we are yet to know the full extent of the crisis in NSW and Victoria, we are organising a ‘Flood Victims Appeal’ which will be promoted within the jurisdiction. This will be a general appeal to assist NSW, QLD and Victorian victims”, he said.

Our ‘Flood Victims Appeal’ will consist of the following:

• Fundraising Event in April – to be in the form of a ‘Tivoli’ style concert organised in conjunction with Lodge Thespian. This is likely to be held in the Sydney Masonic Centre with well-known entertainers and raffle prizes.
• The Northern NSW region will be approaching car dealerships within each district to organise raffles to assist the Appeal.
• Donation envelopes are being printed and will be distributed to every Lodge in the NSW and ACT jurisdiction, providing a channel for the 12,500 Masons to personally donate to this emergency. We will also encourage fellow Masons to donate to the Appeal via the masoniCare website, post or direct debit.
• There is every indication that Masons throughout NSW and Act are rallying to assist flood victims in any way possible.

Freemasonry is a large fraternal organisation that promotes moral and personal development amongst its members. Freemasonry offers a unique and rewarding experience to men from all walks of life, regardless of race, religion or social status.  Membership is open to all men of good character who are 18 years of age or more.

masoniCare is the official charity of Freemasons in NSW and the ACT. masoniCare aims to improve the lives and wellbeing of people in our community.  Over the years, through generous fundraising and assistance, masoniCare has proudly made that difference to a diverse cross section of that community.

 Further information is available by contacting the Marketing Officer, masoniCare, Ms Renay Farrell

United Grand Lodge of NSW and ACT
The Sydney Masonic Centre
66 Castlereagh Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel. No.  02 9284 2838    Fax No.  02 9284 2828

January 19, 2011