Freemasons practise charity and care, not only for their own fraternity, but also for the community as a whole - both by charitable giving and by voluntary work as individuals.

Lodge of Rapport is a keen supporter of charity and each year donates significant funds to local charities. Funds are raised by members at our meetings through the year as well as special functions such as our annual Spit Roast social night.

Each year our Social Committee makes recommendations to the Lodge as to charities that they feel worthy of support and funds raised during the year are donated accordingly.

The Board of Benevolence of Freemasons Victoria has also generously matched the following donations made through our Lodge (a total of $2,500):

Thornton Rural Fire Brigade Donations

In 2007 the Lodge made a donation of $1,400 to the Thornton Fire Brigade to assist them purchase a “Slip On” Unit for a back up fire truck. The Fire Brigade had been steadily working to raise money for this important back-up vehicle. Under the current CFA regulations, if the Local Brigade has an existing Unit the CFA pays for the purchase of the new truck and the Local Brigade is responsible for raising the money to outfit it.

In addition to the donation made by our Lodge, the following amounts were donated by others to the Thornton Fire Brigade: Alexandra Mark Lodge ($200), Albert Edward Lodge ($200), United Grand Lodge ($800) and Breakfast in April ($96).

The Brigade raised over $19,000 from donations - from Freemasonry and from Alexandra Rotary, Eildon Lions, Rotary Oakleigh and town residents. The CFA has provided Thornton Fire Brigade with a new truck chassis and the Brigade has purchased a new “Slip On” unit to complete the vehicle.

On 5 July 2009 some of the members of Lodge of Rapport attended a showing of the new “Slip On” Unit and all who attended commented that it is a great addition to this small and dedicated Brigade’s strength.

Members have also provided unpaid work for the Masonic Task Force on projects such as “Tools for East Timor” which involved collection of unused tools such as saws, hammers, axes etc from the general public (with the fantastic support of Bunnings stores around the state). These tools were then cleaned at regular working bees and packed in shipping containers for delivery to East Timor.