FREEMASONS from across the Mid-North Coast have combined to raise $10,000 to support local children with cancer.
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The Hastings Macleay Freemasons Association on Monday presented $5000 to Port Macquarie Base Hospital's Paediatric Oncology Trust. The money was matched dollar for dollar by the Freemasons' official charity in NSW/ACT, Masonicare.
The donation brings the Freemasons' support for the children's Trust to $40,000 in recent years.
The Mid North Coast Cancer Institute's Nurse Unit Manager at Port Macquarie, Jenny Baroutis, said the gift provided much-needed support to local families 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 local Masonic Lodges of Lachlan Macquarie, Hastings, Trial Bay Daylight, Kempsey Macleay, Loftus Kempsey, Lodge Star of Wauchope, Port Macquarie Daylight and Laurieton had worked hard to ensure the fundraiser's success.
He also thanked Tony Green from The Good Guys in Port Macquarie, who supported the fundraiser through raffle prizes.
"People support our fundraisers because they know it will be local families and local children who will benefit," Mr Williams said.
"Hopefully their children and grandchildren will never need to use the hospital, but most people can certainly empathise with those families who do, especially when it is a child's life that is touched by cancer."
The Paediatric Oncology Trust supports children with a cancer diagnosis and their families. It assists families 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.
The hospital's acting deputy director of nursing, Sharon Gouck, said the Freemasons' gift was gratefully received.
"We really do appreciate everyone's support - from the Masons who gave their precious time to sell raffle tickets to the public who supported their fundraisers right across the Hastings and Macleay," Ms Gouck said.
"The children who benefit from this donation might never meet the people who helped make it possible, but their families certainly appreciate the support.
"It makes a world of difference during what can be a very difficult time."
