For many, the Freemasons may appear to be shrouded in mystery but, behind the scenes, they are active in their communities and beyond.
On November 18th, the Salvation Army Food Bank in Port Elgin was the recipient of a donation from the local St. Lawrence Masonic Lodge.
The Lodge donated $500 and, as part of the Masonic Foundation of Ontario as a registered charity, the Foundation topped up the donation by 25 per cent for a total of $625.
The province is divided into Masonic Districts headed up by the Grand Master’s representative, the District Deputy Grand Master, in each, and the Bruce Masonic District has 14 lodges including in Kincardine, Southampton, Wroxeter, Walkerton, Paisley, Harriston, Fordwich, Tiverton, Chesley, Wiarton, Port Elgin, Cargill, Hanover and Hepworth
In Bruce District, past District Deputy Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Peter W. Kritz, chose the local food banks as charity of choice and, during the past year, the Masons of Bruce District have donated approximately $25,000 for local Food Banks within their District.
Salvation Army’s Alice Wannan, said that the donation by the Masons and other organizations are vital, particularly heading into the Christmas season.
According to Wannan, the number of Food Bank users continues to climb. “Last year on application day, we had 22 apply in Port Elgin,” said Mannan. “This year on the same day, we had 77. In Owen Sound thls year, we had 269, more than double compared to last year.”
Last year, 230 households were helped and this year, 2024, the number is approximately 345, which is almost a 50 per cent increase. These are household numbers not individuals. We are seeing more ‘working poor’ than ever. “They are working but things like rent and utilities are taking every penny with little, if anything, left over for food. Many turning to the Food Banks are actually working families but, “… with rents the way they are and rising costs on heat, hydro, everything – people have no money left at the end of the month for food.”
Wannan said that, for example, for the first time, the Salvation Army may have to consider limiting numbers because the need is so great. “We hope we won’t need to get to that point but the need is huge and it’s going to be a difficult year for sure … there are people who won’t even have a place to lay their head … it’s a difficult time of year.”
“The whole concept of the food bank is somedays you can deposit and others you may have to withdraw,” said Wannan. “For some people, this will be their only Christmas with what we provide here.”
When it comes to toys for Christmas, the Salvation Army works with the IOTA-phi women’s group and the Port Elgin Legion for new toys. “Gently used toys are also accepted in our thrift stores to be re-gifted. They will also all be used. The new PowerLink building in Port Elgin has offered a space where we can store toys for this season.”
“It’s incredible how our communities come together to make sure that everyone has a Christmas,” added Wannan. “We are super thankful that the Masons chose us for this donation.”
To receive Christmas assistance, individuals and families must complete an application for approval at the Salvation Army Community Family Services at 614 Barnes Ave. in Port Elgin.
Three dates remain for application – November 28th, December 5th and December 12th from 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
