SIBS PROGRAM SECURE FOR 2020

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The IOE Siblings Program is financially secured for the year to come thanks once again to the generosity and support of Freemasonry.

IOE welcomed a gathering of members from the Freemasons Foundation and local Monash Gully lodge at a morning tea this morning (Thursday 14 November) at which Jenna Tatterson, Siblings Program Coordinator, opened proceedings by speaking about the increase in numbers of siblings accessing the program. As the program’s reputation spreads it is attracting siblings from areas outside our historic catchment regions. A video featuring comments from Sibling Program participants and activity snippets  followed.

Lionel May, District Coordinator for Monash Gully then spoke on their ongoing commitment  to support IOE’s Sibs and thanked The Freemason Foundation members present – Neil Cripps, EO, and Myles King Chairperson – for their work in ensuring this support continues. Each year there are innumerable community organisations and charities who are the beneficiaries of The Freemasons Foundation grants program and IOE has been very fortunate to have received this support for the past ten years. Lionel noted that during the past year the Monash Gully lodge was responsible for donating over $110,000 to the community.

A cheque for $60,000 was then presented and gratefully accepted by Jenna on behalf of the Siblings Program.

Myles King thanked all the members present and their lodges for working so hard to bring the fundraising and funding process together so that so many people were able to benefit. In appreciation of their efforts and in recognition of the value of the contribution to families made by IOE, he announced a further $10,000 be added to the cheque, taking this year’s financial support to a massive $70,000!

Interchange Outer East CEO, Fred Brumhead, thanked Freemasons for their generosity. He spoke about IOE’s focus on all family members and how, as the family support programs are not funded under NDIS, programs such as Siblings would be unable to continue without financial support such as had just been given. He further assured Freemason members that the funds would be used for camps and activities for the direct benefit of the siblings.

IOE is extremely proud of its Sibling Program, according to Siblings Australia it is 1 of only 5 operating throughout Australia! This latest funding support will mean an even bigger Siblings Program for the coming year bringing friendship, fun and support to an ever increasing number of siblings.

Thank you Freemasons!