THE Hastings Macleay Freemason Association has handed over $9000 to Port Macquarie Base Hospital’s Paediatric Oncology Trust.
The donation brings the Freemasons’ support for the children’s trust to $20,000 in just four years.
District Grand Inspector of Workings Robert Drysdale, accompanied by other local Freemasons, presented a cheque for $5500 to the oncology clinic’s nursing unit manager Jenny Baroutis.
The funding is in addition to $3500 from Masonicare, the Freemasons’ official charity in NSW.
Mr Drysdale said local families affected by children’s cancers had inspired the Freemasons to support the Paediatric Oncology Trust.
“Some of our Freemasons met a family affected by cancer and were so touched that we decided we had to help,” Mr Drysdale said.
“It is a very moving experience, meeting children living with cancer and hearing of the difficulties their families can face, so we had no shortage of volunteers when we decided to support the trust by selling sausage sandwiches at Bunnings and raffle tickets through the Good Guys,” Mr Drysdale said. “We just like helping.”
Ms Baroutis said the donation would make a significant difference to local families who faced added financial pressures while their child was undergoing specialised cancer treatment in Sydney.
“It’s a difficult time for families, sometimes made even more difficult by the costs involved in travelling to Sydney, for accommodation and for all the incidentals incurred in not being at home.
“The Freemasons make a habit of giving back to the community, and this is one donation that is very gratefully received,” Ms Baroutis said.
The cheque presentation took place during a special morning tea to thank the Hastings Macleay Freemason Association and Masonicare.
