Report of District Grand Lodge Charity Committee

Yearly Convocation of District Grand Lodge of Guyana

Saturday March 21st, 2009

 

This report is submitted at a time of much uncertainty over many issues as the global economic recession affects even the efforts of brethren to bring relief to others. We were able over the period under review to complete two of the three events which had been scheduled. The third event, an Oldies Dance and BBQ was cancelled as a result of a less than favourable response. It is proposed in the current year to expand the reach of our fund raising activities to Berbice and Linden whereby brethren from the lodges based in New Amsterdam and Linden can be involved in our activities.

 

Events held during the year 2008

 

1.     Curry Fiesta in May                                     $300,000.00

2.     Horse Race Meeting in October                              $1,501,000.00

 

During the year donations were made to the following ten (10) charities totaling $1,000,000 dollars, each being the recipient of $100,000.

 

1.     Linden School for handicapped children                          

2.     Mildred Mansfield Youth Club                               

3.     St. Phillips Anglican Church                                 

4.     St. Andrews Children Feeding Programme

5.     Thomas Lands YMCA

6.     Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre

7.     Sacred Heart Church

8.     Dharma Shala

9.     Joshua House

10.  Good Samaritan Home

 

In addition, the Hurricane Relief Fund of District Grand Lodge of the Bahamas and Turks received a donation totaling £5,000.

 

The Accumulated Charity Fund as at December 31, 2008 stands at $9,644,700.00

 

The Committee intends to raise $3,000,000.00 in the current year and as such the following events are slated:

 

1.     Curry Fiesta

2.     Horse Race Meeting

3.     Event in Linden

4.     Event in Berbice

 

Lodges will be notified as regards soliciting their assistance to the aforementioned events.

 

Rt. WOR. District Grand Master, the proposed activities of the District Grand Lodge Charity Committee for 2009 are by no means extensive, the assistance which we may receive from persons and organizations outside of the fraternity is in large measure dictated by the response receive from Brethren, hence we will urge, in this instance, that Masters encourage the Brethren of their respective lodges to be involved, as once again success can only be the result with our combined effort.

 

We wish to express our continuous and wholehearted appreciation to the Brethren, friends of Masons and Corporate entities, particularly at this time, for their unconditional support as we work together in making the world a better place.

 

 

Clifford Barrington Reis CCH

District Grand Charity Steward