THE local Masonic Order of the Freemasons Foundation, the Grange Lodge, have contributed a generous donation of $10,680 for the MRI for U&I Appeal at the Hamilton Base Hospital.

Hosting fan-favourite fundraising events such as Bunnings sausage sizzles, the Grange Lodge raised $680 to go towards the MRI for U&I Appeal.

The Freemasons Foundation Victoria (FFV) aims to contribute to a stronger Victoria through charitable support by investing in programs and initiatives to build healthier communities.

Each year, the FFV has grants available for Masonic Orders to apply for to assist them in their philanthropic activities within their local communities.

In addition to the Grange Lodge’s efforts on a local scale, they also applied for a Masonic Grant to assist their own fundraising initiatives.

The Grange Lodge’s efforts evidently inspired the FFV, as their Masonic Grant application was successful for the maximum possible value that the Masonic Order could apply for in the amount of $10,000.

Members of the Grange Lodge, James Dishon (treasurer), Greg Gunn (secretary), and Paul Kenny (worshipful master) visited the Hamilton Base Hospital on Tuesday to present Western District Health Service chief executive, Rohan Fitzgerald, with their generous contribution on behalf of the Grange Lodge and FFV.

“The incredible thing about this project is that it really is all about our community. We have been incredibly well supported having raised $1.152 million to date,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

The Grange Lodge worshipful master, Mr Kenny, was quick to compliment the Hamilton community’s impressive response to the MRI for U&I Appeal, saying it was a reflection of the town’s collective gratitude and appreciation for our hospital staff and facilities.

“Hamiltonians realise how privileged they are to have [the Hamilton Base Hospital] here,” Mr Kenny said.

“Charity is one of the ‘grand principles’ on which Freemasonry is founded.”

The MRI for U&I Appeal is a $2.9 million project that will increase the range and specialty of diagnostic services in Hamilton.

Mr Fitzgerald said that the MRI pod is projected to be fully commissioned and installed by mid to late December.

The fundraising and grant money generously donated by the FFV and the local Grange Lodge will go towards building and designing the new pod.

This is not the first time that the Grange Lodge and FFV have been involved in fundraising for the hospital.

At the very start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Grange Lodge and FFV contributed $40,000 to help fund vital ventilators for the Hamilton Base Hospital’s intestive care department.

$1000 of this contribution was raised by the local Grange Lodge.

The opportunities that the FFV have facilitated via their generous grants, and the commitment of the Grange Lodge on a local scale to make a positive difference, has changed the lives of the people that access our hospital, both staff and patients alike.

“I can’t thank the Grange Lodge and Freemasons Foundation Victoria enough for their support,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

“This equipment has been on our wish list for a decade and will have huge benefits for our community for many years to come.”

An indebted thank you to the Freemason Foundation members involved in the organisation of fundraising and execution of events.

Their continued support and investment in the amelioration of vitality and quality of life for people in our community is invaluable and truly appreciated.