FREEMASON lodges across Worcestershire have raised cash and organised events to support humanitarian relief for Ukraine, as well as offering places for refugee families.
Nationwide, Freemason groups have raised more then £600,000 so far with specific aid for five charities which have accepted £100k between them to fund their vital work.
They include UK for UNHCR Refugee Agency (emergency shelter and protection), UNICEF (health and emergency supplies),
Plan International UK (child protection and education), British Red Cross (refugee support and resettlement and The Refugee Council (refugee support and advice).
One Worcestershire lodge has literally taken to the driving seat by delivering a packed van-load of aid direct to where it is needed – with another to follow soon.
Mark Tissiman, from Old Carolian Lodge in Worcestershire, spotted an opportunity to provide practical help.
Aid agencies, as well as Polish and Ukrainian Freemasons, suggested the vital items needed in the Polish refugee centres, including toiletries, female hygiene products, children’s clothes, nappies and other essentials.
The Provincial Grand Charity provided funds while the lodge itself raised over £2,750 to enable a mission to Poland to go ahead, using a van provided by Mark.
The van arrived in Poland just 24 hours after setting off where Mark and his co-driver, Tony Johnson, met local Masons and representatives from the aid agency.
The contents were distributed to families in need within hours of it arriving, thanks to local Ukrainian and Polish Masons and local aid agencies.
Another trip is being planned.
People who want to donate items can email Glen at [email protected] to contact the Old Carolian Lodge Ukrainian Appeal.
