The Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Ireland
Donates €75,000 to three charities to support response to COVID-19
The Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Ireland Douglas T. Grey announced
a donation of €75,000 to support the response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and
to aid the Simon Communities working with the homeless and the Médecins Sans Frontières
teams tackling the pandemic in over 20 countries around the world.
To help relieve the current situation due to COVID 19, they are immediately giving €75,000
from their Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Ireland ‘Vision 2020’ Grand Master’s Festival
campaign which is a campaign to raise over €700,000 to be donated to Simon Communities
of Ireland, Simon Community Northern Ireland, Médecins Sans Frontières and the RNLI
charities. Various fundraising events have been held to raise fund including BBQ’s, Auctions,
Raffles, Gala Dinners and Race Nights to mention a few.
The support of €25,000 to Simon Communities of Ireland, €25,000 to the Simon Community
Northern Ireland and €25,000 to Médecins Sans Frontières will assist with their frontline
services to help those most at risk.
The Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Ireland, a fraternal Order is a non-political and nonreligious
organisation, where members enjoy the social aspects of a club while aiming to
become better people through moral instruction and charitable work.
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and
charitable organisations. Its roots lie in the traditions and ceremonies of the medieval
stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles. Some rituals are still celebrated today.
Simon Communities of Ireland provide the best possible care, accommodation and support
for people, throughout Ireland experiencing homelessness and those at risk from that
situation.
MSF medical teams act fast to save peoples’ lives in conflict zones, natural disasters and
epidemics. They go where they are needed most. MSF offer humanitarian assistance to people
based on need irrespective of race, religion, gender, or political affiliation. They work to save
lives, alleviate suffering and restore dignity.
Jennifer Kitson, National Partnerships Development Manager, Simon Communities of Ireland
on the impact of the Freemasons Support:
“The measures we are putting in place, in line with HSE guidance, are placing considerable strain on
the resources we currently have. Personal Protective Equipment, extra personnel, medical supplies
and much more are required in order for us to best to tackle COVID-19 within our services. The
generous support of the Freemasons of Ireland will be vital in helping us protect the health and
wellbeing of our people by providing most needed equipment and supplies so we may continue to
respond in order to meet this evolving challenge.”
Jim Dennison, Chief Executive at Simon Community Northern Ireland, praised the generous
donation saying:
“Our charity is in unprecedented waters and, at a time when we’re unable to fundraise in the
traditional ways, we are increasing homelessness accommodation budgets to provide additional staff,
cleaning materials, PPE items and food. This incredibly thoughtful and generous donation will go a
long way to providing some breathing space for the charity as it continues to keep services open,
support vulnerable clients and assist dedicated frontline staff. From everyone at Simon Community,
thank you to Freemasons of Ireland, for such a wonderful gift and for their continued support.”
Audrey Jones, Head of Fundraising at MSF on the generous support
“MSF is extremely appreciative of the generous support from the Freemasons for our COVID-19 Crisis
Fund. It is especially important for the vulnerable communities we work with in over 70 countries
worldwide. We cannot continue our response to emergencies such as this pandemic without the
generosity of the public and organisations like the Freemasons.”