FREEMASONS from Warrington and across Cheshire are supporting families in the Bahamas affected by the recent hurricane disaster.
Hurricane Dorian caused extensive destruction and devastation. The official death toll continues to rise and the country’s government is warning that the final total will be “staggering”, with reports of hundreds, possibly thousands of people, still missing.
As many as 13,000 houses have been severely damaged or destroyed, leaving many people without shelter – around 17,000 children and their families now require urgent humanitarian assistance.
The United Grand Lodge of England has been in contact with the District Grand Lodge of Bahamas and Turks, which has experienced “extensive devastation as a result of this hurricane.”
The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) which is made up of monies contributed by Cheshire Freemasons and their families as well as Freemasons across the country is in direct contact with UNICEF and has already committed £20,000 towards the overall relief effort. This donation will provide humanitarian aid to affected children and families, with a special focus on water, sanitation and hygiene.
In addition, Freemasons in the District, with support from the Grand Lodge of Florida, are co-ordinating a local relief effort to supply water, food and other resources to the affected areas.
Head of Cheshire Freemasons, Stephen Blank said “The residents of the Bahamas and indeed the wider costal region of South East America have been through a terrible ordeal and it will take many months if not years to rebuild all that has been lost. I am delighted we were able to make a donation at such an early stage so as to support much needed emergency aid and we will continue to offer support over the coming months.”
