Masonicare Regional Manager Robert Drysdale and Port Macquarie Daylight Lodge Worshipful Master Ken Hawks (front) with Lodge members Arthur Roberts and Dave Robertson. With them are a grateful MNCCI Office Manager Alicia Butchers and Nurse Unit Manager Natalie Schmude.
Freemasons support children with cancer
Sep 05, 2022Port Macquarie Daylight Lodge and the Freemasons’ charity Masonicare have donated $6000 to Mid North Coast Cancer Institute in support of children diagnosed with cancer.
The donation brings the Freemasons’ support for the Special Trust to an amazing $78,000 over the past 10 years.
Regional Masonicare Manager Robert Drysdale said Masonicare’s decade-long support for children with cancer, and their families, was an honour and a privilege.
He also paid tribute to the Daylight Lodge for committing to the dollar-for-dollar donation, which helps families with the transport and accommodation costs involved in the care and treatment of their child.
MNCCI Nurse Unit Manager Natalie Schmude said her team was extremely grateful to the Freemasons for their ongoing support.
“Our Paediatric Oncology Trust has almost exclusively been supported by the Freemasons over the past decade,” Ms Schmude said.
“Their kindness and generosity ensure our youngest patients, and their families are supported.”
The Trust provides financial assistance to families, when one or both parents need to take time away from work to ensure their child receives the care and treatment they need after a cancer diagnosis.
“It can be an emotional time, sometimes made much worse by the loss of an income,” Ms Schmude said.
“The Freemasons understand the difficulties facing these families and give up their time to ensure there is ongoing support for our youngest patients and the people who love them most.
“It is a commitment we are very grateful for.”
Port Macquarie Daylight Lodge Worshipful Master Ken Hawks said it had been a privilege to be associated with such an important charitable venture.
“I know that I speak on behalf of all Freemasons in the District, and especially those from Port Macquarie Daylight Lodge who have been involved in this important work over the past 10 years, that we will continue to support the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute and its very important work in treating cancer in children and in the support of their families,” Mr Hawks said.