This project really has grown a life of its own thanks to the sterling efforts of the Northern Division Grand Almoner VWBro Ray Laurance and his colleague from the Central Division VWBro Gordon Riach and their teams.

These packs continue to be hugely popular with the A & E Departments in hospitals throughout the North Island, Grand Lodge has been pleased to receive several letters of thanks from various DHBs and hospitals who have received these packs.

Distribution numbers have now topped 2200, many thanks to all concerned.

Some of the comments have been...
The Master of The Ohaweawai Lodge 101  reports.

" I visited the Bay of Islands Hospital to talk about the overnight packs you have. The Charge Nurse at A & E sent me to the Ward office where I spoke to the Charge Nurse. I never quite got hugs and kisses but it came close"

An email received by the Grand Secretary said

Greetings Grand Secretary

Thank you for your email Newsletter Issue 2008/20

My wife was recently hospitalised rather hurriedly, and in the course of rapid recuperation was presented with one of our Charity packs...containing a number of items which she was unable to bring with her on admission.

The nurses had considerable pleasure in passing on a pack to her...very much appreciated indeed. Several ladies in the same ward were also recipients of those packs, and they too had nothing but kind words for such a gift...Freemasonry in Action.

Please accept our very sincere thanks for such thoughtfulness.

From a DHB
“It’s a great asset to the nurses to be able to offer patients these very necessary kits in a time that is sometimes stressful and difficult for them.”

From Whakatane
“Given to patients ill prepared for admission, a very thoughtful gesture.”

From a Nurse Manager:
“There is a great need for them and we appreciate that the Freemasons are able to help in this way.”

Great work everyone!