Freemasons give £20,000 to UNICEF to help victims of Bahamas hurricane

Thousands of people across the Bahamas, whose lives have been devastated by Hurricane Dorian will receive much-needed help, thanks to a grant from Berkshire freemasons, to UNICEF.

The grant will go towards providing important life-saving supplies, including water, sanitation and hygiene equipment, water purification tablets, water tanks and containers.

An estimated 68,000 people – including over 18,000 children and adolescents – have been affected by Hurricane Dorian. Many need urgent humanitarian assistance, including access to safe water and sanitation. Tragically, the death toll has reached 50, but the number of casualties and lives lost could be significantly higher as search and rescue operations continue.  

UNICEF and partners are bringing relief for children and families impacted by the storm, especially the most vulnerable. Lifesaving supplies and services are being provided, including access to safe drinking water and sanitation, nutrition, psychosocial support and non-formal education activities. UNICEF is currently supporting the delivery of fresh water to 15,000 survivors.

The Category-5 Hurricane Dorian hit Abaco and Grand Bahama islands at the start of September, leaving behind a path of destruction unprecedented in the Caribbean country. In and around Marsh Harbour, schools and hospitals have been flattened; houses and roads have collapsed; and cars and boats were left hanging in trees. Widespread flooding has compromised water and sanitation systems in Abaco and areas of Grand Bahama, and the lack of safe water and adequate sanitation puts children and families at risk of contracting waterborne diseases.

The grant comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation is supported by freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Claire Fox, Chief Operating Officer of UNICEF UK, said: “We’re very grateful to the freemasons for supporting our disaster response in the Bahamas. This generous grant will enable UNICEF to provide thousands of children and families with the life-saving assistance and supplies they need.”