The District Grand Lodge of Barbados & Eastern Caribbean has launched a six-month drive to help the seven families displaced when an inferno damaged 16 houses in Wellington Street, The City earlier this month.
During a short ceremony at the St Ambrose Church, a stone’s throw away from where the blaze occurred on May 5, president of the district’s Board of Benevolence, Achirri Adams said the initiative would run concurrently with activities organised by other organisations and businesses to help the fire victims.
“As Freemasons, one of our core precepts is charity or relief – brotherly love, relief and truth. We often give cash donations or give of our time towards worthy causes. When we were made aware of the devastating fire which took place in Wellington Street, we immediately mobilised to see what we could do to help as we know that families would have lost their homes and persons would be in a state of trauma. We as a district decided to pledge funds to help those who suffered get back on their feet,” he said.
Adams said the donation of $10 000 represents the efforts of the district to bring relief to those persons who are in need of monetary assistance.
“Also, we are going to be collecting items, including personal care items and food supplies, that are needed to distribute to them,” he added, pointing out that the group would be collecting supplies for the next six months.
Right Worshipful District Grand Master for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Brother Clement Baird said the Masonic group comprised 1 000 members from ten Caribbean countries. He said that several members took part in an event at St Ambrose Church as part of the group’s 336th anniversary earlier this month, and so the tragedy resonated with them.
St Ambrose Church has been coordinating donations for the fire victims who range in age from eight months to 79 years old. About 45 people and 16 houses in total were impacted by the fire. Six houses were gutted, three were extensively damaged and seven were slightly damaged.
Treasurer of the church, David Small said the response from the public to the appeal for aid for the victims was overwhelming and he was pleased to see that many Barbadians felt compelled to assist. As it relates to clothing, he said the church received sufficient contributions and people were now being asked to consider sending food and personal care supplies.
Small said he was extremely grateful for the donation from the District Grand Lodge of Barbados & Eastern Caribbean.
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