Otago’s Hospice and Freemasons celebrate 20 years of fundraising

Freemasons from all over Otago have supported the Hospice by leading the Hospice Awareness Week appeal since 1998.

Hospice CEO Ginny Green describes the partnership as integral to what is one of the charity’s biggest annual fundraisers.

“The Masons have been incredible across the years, turning up rain or shine to raise funds for our service during Hospice Awareness Week. We are so grateful for their continued and strong support right across our region. And it’s not just during awareness week - they support us with grants and other fundraising efforts throughout each year.”

In June 1998 an organising committee was formed to assist Hospice with the Annual Street Appeal, with Masonic lodges helping to organise the collection in their local communities.

Back in 1998 $7000 was raised. Since then the collection has grown to average $40,000. The funds go directly towards service provision for the 700 people on the Hospice programme each year.

Freemason Mel Darling, the chairman of the appeal’s organizing group, says that charity is one of the cornerstones of Freemasonry.

“The association with the Hospice is rewarding; to be able to directly assist the hospice in supporting the terminally ill and their families all over Otago is a real privilege.

There is now a legacy for the Freemasons, and we are very proud of what we have achieved as a group for the Hospice.”