Quietly helping groups in Central since 1968, when Dunedin's Maryhill Masonic Cottages for the elderly opened, the Freemason’s are still helping worthy causes.

On Sunday (May 25) annual community grants totalling $22K were awarded in a morning tea session at the Manuherikia Lodge Hall in Alexandra and beneficiaries thanked masonic lodge members and each group briefly spoke about what the money would go towards.

Otago Masonic Charitable Trust (OMCT) central branch spokesperson Nick Langley said charity was a cornerstone of the groups’ work and there were a wide range of activities happening in Otago, funded by the trust that were not that well known.

Groups that received funding included Alexandra Flames Ice Hockey Club, Alexandra United Women’s Football Club, the Central Otago Whitewater Club (COW), Clyde Theatre Group (CTG), Life Education Trust, Central Otago Health Services Limited (Dunstan Hospital), Alexandra Scouts, Central Otago Model Society, the Manuherikia Valley Charitable Trust (The Omakau Community Hub project).  

The Flames were planning to use the money for goalie equipment, COW for spray skirts for youngsters, and the AUFC Women’s team kitted out players with club branded hooded sweatshirts. 

CTG was going to purchase a video camera equipment and a tripod to record shows and rehearsals and spokesperson Joy Ramsay said they would potentially loan it to others in the community too.

COHSL chief executive Hayley Anderson thanked the trust for the support and explained it would go to upgrades for bowel screening facilities at Dunstan Hospital. 

The grant to the Omakau Community hub was $2,500, it has been matched by both the St Bathans Freemason Lodge and the national level organisation, the Freemasons Charity is giving another $5K. The money would be earmarked for a hoist to allow people with mobility challenges to get to the stage area in the hub. The hoist will be totally funded by the Freemasons groups.

The Alexandra Scouts were going to use the money for heat pumps to warm and cool their hall. 

The Lodge Manuherikia Kilwinning on Tarbert St. PHOTO: File

Vincent community board chair Jayden Cromb attended the event and said it was great to see range of groups with community minded projects benefiting from the support. 

Learn more about the Otago Masonic Charitable Trust community grants here. Applications close at the end of March each year. 

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