Lodge helps out

A $2000 donation to the Cranbourne Information and Support Service (CISS) will be used to help families who are struggling with the costs of sending their children to school.
Members of the Lawson Poole Daylight Lodge again donated a $1000 cheque to CISS at a recent Christmas lunch this month. The Freemasons Victoria Board of Benevolence matched the money dollar for dollar, and CISS manager Leanne Petrides said the funds would be used for their Back to School Support Program.
“Despite the fact that free education is a fundamental human right, we hear from many families who are feeling stressed trying to juggle education expenses along with the costs of accommodation, food, utilities and other essentials,” Ms Petrides said.
“Unfortunately, many also feel embarrassed, isolated and unable to talk to the schools about their predicament.”
The Back to School Support Program started in 2005, and 231 families were assisted last year, which consisted of 497 children attending 51 schools.
“Sadly, a number of families could not be assisted because we just didn’t have enough money.”
It had been another busy year for CISS, as ordinary, everyday people struggled on low wages and were among those supported, Ms Petrides said.
The support from the Lawson Poole Daylight Lodge was much appreciated.
Secretary of the lodge Bernie Rampton said they believed CISS was a worthwhile service, especially at this time of the year.