By Jamie Salter
1st Casey Scout Group is receiving a $5000 donation from members of two local Freemasons lodges, to be put towards vital camping equipment.
The Masters of Berwick Balcara Lodge and Lodge of Progress joined forces to each raise $1000, which was added to by the Freemasons Foundation to make a $5000 donation.
The Scouts will use the funding to purchase marquees and cooking equipment for use when camping.
A cheque presentation was held in Berwick on Wednesday 10 August.
Berwick Balcara Lodge member of 38 years Garry Runge was in attendance on the night and said he was delighted to support the scouts.
“They’ve been able to buy two large marquees to be used as kitchen area when they go camping thanks to the funding,” Mr Runge said.
“It was really friendly night, the scouts stayed for supper with us after our lodge meeting and they were invited to tour at the masonic lodge rooms.
“We thought the Scouts were a worthy group to donate to and it’s great to support local groups in the community – particularly youth groups.”
1st Casey Scout Group scout leader Jeff Greens said he was pleased to receive the donation.
“We have bought two marquees with signage on it that will promote the scout group,” Mr Greens said.
“We’ve had cheap ones before but now we’ve bought industrial level ones that will last us for years.”
Freemasons Foundation executive director Neil Cripps said the foundation has supported charities statewide since November 2014.
“Last year we would have distributed $2.6 million, including scholarships for secondary and tertiary students and assisting Victorian not for profit organisations with their work,” Mr Cripps said.
“We’re happy to support local community projects across Victoria.”
Masonic lodges have met in Berwick since 1924 and continue with their charitable work supporting organisations, particularly young people, across the Berwick and surrounding areas.
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest fraternities dating back to medieval constructions in England.
Membership of the organisation encourages men to better themselves and members of the community through education and learning.
