For Change Co
The Worshipful Master has chosen to support the Charity 'For Change Co.' for his term of office and this was voted on at our June Meeting. For Change Co works with the training and employment of youth who are at risk of homelessness, is very much a grassroots organisation and gives a hand up over a hand out in a very practical, fulfilling way. The For Change Co mission is:
"To create pathways out of homelessness for young people through a social enterprise model by enabling our community to invest in sustainable social change every day and instilling confidence in and celebrating the resilience of young people."
The values which Freemasons hold is very much in alignment with the values which For Change Co holds. It is seen as a great synergy and the lodge is very excited to support this stellar organisation. More information about For Change Co can be found on their website, here. We also direct your attention to available annual reports and a case study about Shakara and the Open Shift partnership with Park Hyatt. For Change Co has a number of organisation which contribute to it and expand its outreach in numerous ways. Here they are:
The Freemasons Foundation
On the 28th June 2024, Melbourne St Clair Reunion Lodge No. 17 received a heart-warming e-mail from the Freemasons Foundation informing us of a grant of $10,000 for the Financial Year ending 30th June 2024. We anticipate a presentation will be made early in 2025 to present For Change Co with the funds and our further contributions. The WM believes the lodge can fundraise $5,000+ in his first year of office. The goal is to support the training of trainees at a cost of $8,000 per year per trainee. Our current fundraising efforts are shown below:
