Masons offer financial support

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

The Strathmore Regional Arts Collective (SRAC) got a boost to their finances on Dec. 9, when representatives of the Masonic Foundation of Alberta and the Strathmore Masonic Lodge presented them with a cheque for $2,000.
“That was suggested to me by a member of Strathmore Lodge and then I told him to bring up the application form come to the meeting,” said Doug Barnard, a member of the foundation.
He explained that there are 14 districts that each have one representative sit on the committee which helps determine which group(s) in their district will receive a charitable donation of $2,000.
Right Worshipful Brother Joe Bratton, District Deputy Grand Master Alpha District 2014 – 15, of Strathmore suggested SRAC as one of this year’s recipients.
“(We’re) super excited and very grateful. We’re going to try and maximize those dollars to offer something for as many people as possible at our festival,” said Brandy Hebbes, SRAC chair, speaking of the annual Arts and Sounds in the Park Festival held in September.
The Masonic Foundation of Alberta is a charity group of the Masons. Each year $30,000- $40,000 is budgeted to be donated.
“We like to support a lot of different organizations,” said Barnard.
Last year one of the donations made in this district was to Rosebud Theatre.
The Masons also have the Masonic High Education Bursary Fund.
“It’s for needy kids who want to continue their education,” said Ted Currie, past District Grand Master.
“They don’t have to be a Mason, they can be anyone so if you know someone get in touch with a Mason and we’ll give an application, or you can go to the Alberta Masonic website,” said Barnard.
There are 38 bursaries awarded each year in the amount of $5,000, making it the second largest donation of bursaries in the province, second only to the government, said Currie.