23.07.2007 – masoniCare, the grant making arm of Freemasonry in NSW and ACT, has made a donation of $5,000 to the Lismore Police and Community Youth Club (PCYC).

The funding will be used to upgrade the Lismore PCYC’s Band Room which will also serve as drop in centre for local youths. The money will cover the costs of renovating the room and allow the club to expand its arts and educational programs.

Currently the Lismore PCYC conducts a range of activities which are designed for local youths such as sporting and recreational activities as well as initiatives that target reducing and preventing juvenile crime. The club also participates in the PCYC’s premier youth leadership and development program called Blue Star.

Mark Greig, the Club Manager for Lismore PCYC, thanked the Freemasons for their support saying, “We’re very appreciative of this grant as it will significantly improve the PCYC’s facilities which will in turn encourage more young people to participate in our activities”.

He said, “It’s important that community centres like the PCYC are well maintained so that young people are more inclined to be involved in the programs we offer”.

Dick Ford, the Regional Masonic Manager for the North Coast area, commended the work performed by the Lismore PCYC, saying, “A big problem amongst young people is having meaningful and stimulating activities in which they can participate. When this is lacking youths can often be involved in anti-social behaviour which can result in serious problems for themselves and the community further on down the track”.

Dick added, “The programs that are run by the PCYC give kids the opportunity to mix in a setting which is positive and turn their energy into something constructive”.

The grant is part of masoniCare’s Regional Grants program which provides $130,000 in funding to local community initiatives each year. Recipients are selected from nominations that are made by Freemasons across NSW and ACT.