The Whittlesea Masonic Lodge have embraced the Christmas spirit this year by donating to several groups in the community.
The lodge, which boasts around 50 members, hosted its Christmas party on December 1.
During the event, a cheque of $400 was presented to the Whittlesea Fire Brigade as a token of the lodge’s gratitude for the brigade’s ongoing support and dedication to the community.
The Whittlesea Fire Brigade graciously transported Santa to the event, and helped distribute gifts to the children of the lodge’s families.
The evening also featured a defibrillator and CPR demonstration.
In the true spirit of giving, many lodge families donated toys to underprivileged children, with additional contributions made during the lodge’s dinner on December 4.
At the dinner, a generous donation of $19,053 was presented to Whittlesea Ministries Inc, a registered charity that provides food to those facing financial difficulties.
The donation, which will help Whittlesea Ministries Inc purchase solar panels for their distribution centre, was presented in the presence of Lynette and Leslie Booth, as well as Dave Kleesh, who were on hand to accept the cheque from the charity.
The contribution was made possible through the combined efforts of an anonymous lodge member, the Whittlesea Masonic Lodge, and the Freemasons Foundation of Victoria.
Whittlesea Masonic Lodge Worshipful Master Haydn Gregson said donating to the community was a core value of the lodge.
“Freemasonry is to make men better, and we do this by involving the most important aspects of a man’s life—his family, his employment, his self-development, his being, and if he so desires, Freemasonry,” he said.
“We endorse his choice by providing self-development, his belief in a supreme being, as well as social and charity work.
“If this is you, please do not hesitate in reaching out to myself on 0459 647 348, or our secretary David Draper on 9716 2070 or our Almoner Doug Ashley.”
