The Wahroonga Foundation was finally launched at a fundraising dinner held on 26 November 2022 in the presence of the Most Worshipful Grand Master Les Hicks and some 60 guests. At our Annual Fundraising Dinner on 21st October 2023 we celebrated the achievements of the Foundation in the first 12 months of its operation, having received considerable assistance from Masonicare in the provision of funds to enable scholarships to be awarded to primary and secondary school children who have been adversely affected by floods.
With this assistance from Masonicare we have been able to provide 15 scholarships to a value of $26,000 and at the same time we have been able to purchase the requirements for the scholarships from flood affected business within these communities, including computer equipment at a cost of $16,100.00, school shoes to the value of $600.00, study desk and chair at $450 and $200 for art materials. The Foundation has also provided $6000.00 to schools to assist with fees, and excursions for students who could not otherwise meet these expenses.
It is appropriate to note that every dollar donated to the Wahroonga Foundation goes directly to scholarship recipients, as the Trustees are all volunteers and any overheads and administrative costs incurred in the operation of the Foundation are met from interest paid on a corpus fund donated to the Foundation by Lodge Wahroonga No.674 when the Charitable Trust was established.
Scholarships for the 2023 year have all been awarded to the students in the flood affected areas from Tweed Heads and Murwillumbah to Lismore as social workers in that region became aware of the Foundation’s work. Many heart wrenching stories have emerged in the applications lodged. Some families have been forced to split up and some are living in caravans whilst their flood damaged houses are gradually being repaired (in some instances houses were totally washed away). For some children the severe flooding has added to other difficulties in their lives.
We have really only touched the surface in this area and many other flood affected areas have not been explored.
I would like to thank the Board of the Foundation for all their assistance during the year and in particular I would like to mention our Secretary Rob Chapman who has investigated and processed each scholarship application so that it could be considered by the Trustees. I would also like to mention our Board Administrator Bashar Ayoub for his continued support in keeping the website functional as well as keeping other operational matters running smoothly.
We are looking forward to the coming year hoping that we can provide further scholarships for students in need, including those who are still suffering from the after effect of flooding and those with other needs for assistance with education within all areas of NSW and the ACT.
Should you wish to assist The Wahroonga Foundation in its work you may like to consider:
- Making a fully tax deductable donation,
- Having friends sponsor you in a challenge with proceeds (all tax deductable) to go to the Foundation, or
- Perhaps leaving a bequest to the Foundation
If you know of primary or secondary students in need of assistance with their education, we would like to hear from you and if you feel you would like to assist in the work of the Foundation please contact us through the Lodge, through our website or by email: info@thewahroongafoundation.org