Freemasons give £45,000 to victims of Southern African Cyclone
Our Charity, The Masonic Charitable Foundation, has given £45,000 to Plan International UK to help survivors of the Cyclone Idai. The money will be used in particular, to help young women and children who are at risk.
Over 750 people have died in the three countries on the south-east coast of Africa with Mozambique suffering the highest human fatalities. As the death toll continues to rise, over 260,000 children have been affected in the country and at least 350,000 people are at risk from rising flood waters. In Malawi, close to a million people have been affected with nearly half a million being children.
The grant will provide jerry cans, water purification tablets and buckets to thousands of people who have lost everything and are at risk of potentially-deadly waterborne diseases.
Plan International UK is a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). The DEC brings together 14 leading UK aid charities in times of crisis, to maximise the impact and help children and families who need it most.
Anthony Howlett-Bolton, our PGM, commented: “Cyclone Idai has devastated the lives of many thousands of people, with, as usual, women and children bearing the brunt of the suffering. I’m very pleased that the Masonic Charitable Foundation was able to move so quickly and provide funds for Plan International UK’s vital work at the heart of the disaster zone.
This is an example of how we, as Freemasons, work in our communities at both a local and national level. And, to the brethren of Berkshire, thank you for your continuing support of the Berkshire 2023 Festival as it raises future funds to enable the MCF to continue this vital work.”
Tanya Barron, Chief Executive of Plan International UK said: “We’re hugely grateful to the Masonic Charitable Foundation for supporting our disaster response in Southern Africa. This generous grant will make a big difference to thousands of people affected by this devastating cyclone and help get their lives back on track.”