Dannevirke: Freemasons raise money for man's treatment

Paddy Driver (left), the Worshipful Master of Dannevirke's Rawhiti Lodge No66 presents a cheque for $2375 to Donna De'Admin of Akitio. Photo / Christine McKay

It's 125 years since Dannevirke's Freemasons Lodge was consecrated, but the benevolent work of its members continues today.

Rawhiti Lodge, No 66, was the first lodge in New Zealand and his Worshipful Master Paddy Driver said lodge members are determined to do good things for their fellow men and the community.

"It's not all about the big projects, like supporting a medical wing at Otago University. We want to help out those closer to home as well," he said.

Late last year lodge members had an auction evening at the Dannevirke Services and Citizens Club to raise money to support a young family in a remote area of the Tararua who have a son with muscular dystrophy.

"The father is a farmhand and the mother is working at a couple of jobs to make ends meet," Mr Driver said. "We knew the Akitio community had a trust set up to help this family so we decided we could contribute as well."

Akitio resident, Donna De'Admin said the community trust has raised funds to send the family on holiday to Brisbane and the money raised by members of the Rawhiti Lodge would go towards the young man's ongoing treatment and medication. "As a community we're continuing to chip away at supporting the family, but this extra donation is very much appreciated. Thanks to the support and donations from the community, the Rawhiti Lodge members raised $1300, which was then matched by the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, dollar for dollar.

The auction was well supported by local business people, with Donna approaching 70 people for donations.

"We had everything from a special carving by Jeff Bryant, to a live sheep from Phillip Barnett and all sorts of other donations, including a fantastic $150 voucher from osteopath Kim Phelps."

Wayne McDonagh of The Professionals conducted the auction which had a Scottish theme, complete with bagpipes and a haggis.