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The Otago Masonic Charitable Trust is the local umbrella charitable arm of Freemasonry in Otago. Its aim is to provide financial assistance to community organisations across Otago with a particular interest in those who help the Elderly, Youth and those with Disabilities. This compliments the charity work by individual Lodges, and the nationwide charitable work of Grand Lodges, such as via The Freemasons Charity.
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal societies, and provides a code of living in today’s society based on moral and ethical standards. Freemasonry is an organisation of men who strive to live by the fundamental principles of integrity, goodwill and charity. It is a non-profit organisation that is heavily involved in supporting charity and community service.
The Trust traces its commencement to a meeting of Lodge representatives held on 28 May 1958. The Otago Masonic Charitable Trust administers funds allocated by Lodges, and individuals, specifically for community projects within Otago, with a particular interest in the Elderly, the Disabled and the Young. Apart from the regular grants to clubs and organisations across Otago, the Trust also over the years has assisted with community projects, including; the Otago Community Hospice, the Maniototo Hospital, Ranui Home, West Otago Health Centre, to name but a few.
Over the years how the funds have been dispensed has changed as Freemasonry has adapted, and as the charitable needs of the community have changed.
The Trust also administers specific programmes such as a Youth Development Course based each year at Stewart Island onboard the yacht ‘Elwing’. The Port Chalmers Marine Lodge Bursary, and sponsorship of the Dunedin School of Art visiting artists lectures and seminars, via the Fred Staub Open Art fund.
Charity is one of the cornerstones of Freemasonry and The Otago Masonic Charitable Trust is proud to be part of Masonic Charity in Otago.
We hope this site can assist organisations and individuals understand how we may be able to provide financial support.
   
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