Lodges continue festive tradition of generosity and hope

For more than six decades, Freemasons have come together to support families in need during the festive season. Guided by a long-held commitment to benevolence and community service, lodges across Victoria continued that proud tradition this year - fundraising locally and partnering with Freemasons Foundation Victoria (FFV) to deliver hampers, toys, and essential items to those doing it tough. 

Freemasons Community Relief delivers around 500 parcels to those in need each year. Above - volunteers preparing parcels in 2024.

In the Goulburn Valley, Shepparton Mooroopna Lodge and Lodge Eschol raised $600 and received a $3,000 grant from FFV to support The Sanctuary Church Mooroopna’s Christmas Hamper program. For 12 years, the church has provided hampers to families who might otherwise go without. This outreach ensures families receive food and essentials, and the lodges are also helping the church connect with Foodshare for ongoing support. 

The Sanctuary Church Mooroopna's hampers

Further north, Cohuna Lodge contributed $600, supported by a $3,000 FFV grant, to the Gannawarra Memorial Toy Run. This year’s run coincided with Cohuna’s 150-year celebrations and featured motorbikes, restored vehicles, and hot rods. Donations from shopkeepers and the public, combined with lodge and FFV support, fund food hampers distributed by local organisations such as Cohuna and Kerang Neighbourhood Houses and St Vincent’s in Barham. These efforts provide year-round assistance to families in crisis, a need that became critical during recent floods. Cohuna Freemasons have supported this project for years, volunteering at events and helping keep the tradition alive. 

Closer to Melbourne, Springvale Lodge raised $2,500, with FFV contributing $7,500, to support the Springvale Benevolent Society. Hampers are delivered to vulnerable families and individuals, including those experiencing domestic violence and homelessness. 

We hope that through this simple but noble act of charity, these beneficiaries will be reminded that there is always help within the community willing to provide assistance, which stands with Freemasonry’s ideals of Faith, Hope, and Charity. - Lodge Secretary Chester Sarsoso

The long-running Freemasons Community Relief program in the Bayside area received a $10,000 FFV community grant to deliver hundreds of food parcels. Last Christmas alone, more than 840 hampers were distributed across Melbourne - from St Kilda to Hastings - supporting 16 charities and countless families. 

These efforts do more than provide a decent meal or a gift - they remind families that someone cares. At a time when cost-of-living pressures are hitting hardest, this sense of connection and hope is just as important as practical support.