The Maroochy Men’s Shed is another step closer to completion having been awarded a $4,889 Grassroots Community Grant from Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland.
The funds will go towards their lighting costs, helping to cover the funding gap.
Maroochy Men’s Shed Secretary Otto Alder said they were grateful for the assistance.
“We are amazed by the community support we have received to date to make this Men’s Shed a reality,” Mr Alder.
“We could not do what we do without the support of organisations like Hand Heart Pocket and the Sunshine Coast Freemasons.”
Maroochydore Freemasons Lodge Secretary Doug McGill said they nominated the group for the grant.
“The service they offer to the community to enhance men’s mental and physical health through companionship and hands-on projects is invaluable,” Doug said.
Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Gary Mark said the Freemason charity was pleased to provide this extra assistance.
“We are appreciative of the Maroochydore Freemasons for identifying this need in their community and nominating the local Men’s Shed for the grant,” Gary said.
“This year we received a greater number of applications with a large geographical spread, particularly in regional Queensland. Fifteen charities shared in almost $120,000 as part this year’s Community Grants round.
“Although the grant round was oversubscribed, we wanted to make sure we maximised our support at a time the community needed it the most. Among the causes we’ve been able to support are youth at risk, our ageing population, men’s mental and physical health, and women’s financial and physical security.”
The grant was announced amid the Freemason charity providing over $700,000 in emergency support and Grassroots Community Grants in the wake of COVID-19.
