Freemasons rally together to support drought-affected Queenslanders

Freemasons from around the state have rallied with their charity, Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland to again support drought-affected families and communities. 

Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Gary Mark said that the charity had previously worked with Freemasons throughout the state from 2015 to 2017 and was able to donate $1 million to drought-affected families and communities.

“With over half of the state drought-declared and some parts of Queensland not seeing rain for more than five years, some of our members recognised the urgency to support these communities again,” said Gary. 

“We also wanted to show drought-affected Queenslanders that they were not forgotten and therefore have agreed to donate an additional two dollars for every one dollar donated by our Freemason members and Masonic Lodges for an eight-week period until October 5 this year,” he said. 

Already, from the support of Freemasons throughout the state and the charity pitching in double what they are donating, Hand Heart Pocket has almost $120,000 ready to distribute to drought-affected families and communities.

The organisation will provide Eftpos cards to be distributed through its partners on the ground such as The Western Drought Appeal and their associated distribution channels, the Rural Financial Counselling Service, Queensland Education and the School of Distant Education parent support group, to ensure they get quickly to where they are needed most.

“The cards are designed to be spent locally, to put food on the table and to pay essential bills such as electricity,” said Gary.

“We hope that by October 5 we will be able to make a greater impact on drought-affected families and communities.”

As an independent charity founded by the Freemasons of Queensland, Hand Heart Pocket helps in areas of state-wide and local need that have limited access to other funding. We work with other charities to identify and fund initiatives that have real, life-changing potential. We also collaborate with Masonic Lodges across Queensland and help individuals in times of extreme need to get them back on their feet. We use our funds wisely to give a hand up and to build potential.

For more information on Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland visit www.handheartpocket.org.au or find them on Facebook.

<ENDS>

For media requests, please contact:

Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland

Karen Tilke, General Manager Marketing and Public Relations, on 07 3493 6009 or ktilke@handheartpocket.org.au