Richard Elkington ( Freemasons Victoria Deputy Grand Master ) and , Rodney Lavin ( Freemasons Foundation Victoria Director ) announced a $100,000 donation to Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund last week.

This will provide ongoing support to people in the East Gippsland communities impacted by the recent bushfires.

The funds donated were from the Disaster Relief Fund to which many individuals, Lodges and masonic organisations contributed. Thanks have been extended wto all those who have contributed to the fund.

Other charities that have received support from the Disaster Relief Fund are:
• BlazeAid – $50,000
• The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival – $50,000
• Gippsland Lakes Community Health – $20,000

The Disaster Relief Fund is an ongoing fund aimed toward the recovery, reconstruction and prevention projects for the communities in Victoria.

“Whilst we can assist in the short term, research has indicated that we should also provide support in the medium and longer term as people affected by disasters will still need support long after the event and publicity has disappeared,” said a group spokesman.