Freemasons Tasmania has committed $5,000 per month to St Vincent de Paul Society
for emergency relief to provide those in need with access to food, a shower and
freshly laundered clothes.
The three-year $180,000 arrangement extends support by Freemasons Tasmania for St
Vincent de Paul to provide food vouchers on top of supporting its Kings Meadows
shower and laundry service.
Freemasons Tasmania President of the Board of Benevolence, David Loone said the
move was a logical development.
“In April last year, we joined with St Vincent de Paul Society (Tas), in partnership with
the City of Launceston, to see the former YMCA Kings Meadows site provide breakfast,
showers and laundry facilities to those experiencing homelessness,” he said.
“So now with demand for emergency relief so high, it is appropriate we add to this by
providing additional funds for food and groceries.
St Vincent de Paul Society State President Corey McGrath said the commitment of
$60,000 per year for three years was very important for the Society’s emergency relief
efforts across Tasmania.
“The cost of living pressures being experienced by Tasmanians is at record levels and
the Society is feeling it too, with ever increasing numbers of families and individuals
seeking our help, while many are finding it harder to donate to the Society,” Mr. McGrath
said.
“The donation means we are able to purchase food vouchers that will have an
immediate and direct impact on those struggling with the costs of living.
Mr Loone said Freemasons Tasmania had been involved with benevolence in Tasmania
since 1843.
