Maleny Masons dig deep

THE Maleny Masonic Lodge last week made a $5,000 donation to the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre towards its Women’s House facility.

Maleny Neighbourhood Centre coordinator Rick Paget said the Women’s House was not an emergency women’s shelter but a temporary place to live for women experiencing hardships and an unstable accommodation situation.
“It allows these women and their children time to regroup and transition back into more stable and secure housing,” Rick said.
“While they are staying in the Women’s House, they have all the resources and support available through the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre.
“The $5,000 will greatly contribute towards the continued operating costs of running the house, and so it is very much appreciated. We are grateful to the Maleny Masonic Lodge for their compassion.”

Lodge Master Nihal Wije said the donation was just one part of the lodge’s community support program.
“Our local Maleny Masonic Lodge raises funds through charitable events, channelling the money through the Hand Heart Pocket charity arm of the Freemasons Queensland organisation,” Nihal said.
“In turn, they then boost the funds so that a larger amount can be given back to the community, which is why we are able to give the Neighbourhood Centre this sizable donation.
“We are proud to work with the neighbourhood centre on a range of projects, as we recognise the great role they play in fostering a fairer and more sustainable community,” he said.

Photo: Mason Arthur Trass, neighbourhood centre coordinator Rick Paget, volunteer support worker Lachhele Cronau, Master Mason Nihal Wije, Women’s House Committee member Colin Harding and Mason John McLennan