FREEMASONS from throughout the Hastings and Macleay have raised $10,000 to support local children with cancer.
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The Hastings Macleay Freemasons Association handed $5000 to Port Macquarie Base Hospital's Paediatric Oncology Trust today. The money was matched dollar for dollar by the Freemasons' official charity in NSW/ACT, Masonicare.
Today's donation brings the Freemasons' support for the children's Trust to $30,000 in five years.
The Mid North Coast Cancer Institute's Nurse Unit Manager at Port Macquarie, Jenny Baroutis, said the Masons' gift would provide much-needed support to families in the Wauchope region whose children were undergoing cancer treatment.
"When a child undergoes specialised cancer treatment, there can be significant financial pressures for parents," Ms Baroutis said.
"The Freemasons have given these families one less thing to worry about."
The Association's District Grand Inspector of Workings, Alan Williams, said the Lodge Star of Wauchope worked hard with the Masonic Lodges of Lachlan Macquarie, Trial Bay Daylight, Kempsey Macleay, Loftus Kempsey, Hastings and Port Macquarie Daylight to ensure the fundraiser's success.
"With the support of Tony Green from The Good Guys store, we were able to offer some great prizes for our raffle. Our Masons and the public did the rest," Mr Williams said.
"People supported us because there was a realisation that this fundraiser was for an important cause.
"They might not be involved in the hospital system; they might not be a patient, but most people know someone whose life has been touched by cancer."
The Paediatric Oncology Trust supports children with a cancer diagnosis and their families. It assists families from throughout the Hastings and Macleay with the costs involved in travelling to specialist cancer centres, for accommodation, for specific equipment required for recovery and for the incidentals incurred in not being at home.
Ms Baroutis said the Freemasons' gift was gratefully received.
"We really do appreciate everyone's support - from the Masons who gave their precious time to sell tickets to the public who supported the raffle," Ms Baroutis said.
"Please be assured, you might never meet the children you have helped but their families will find comfort in the support you have provided, and that makes a world of difference during what can be a very difficult time."