Freemasons donate $100k to Lions Hearing Dogs
The Murray Bridge Freemasons Lodge have helped make a $100k donation to the Lions Hearing Dogs organisation.
A $100,000 donation from the Murray Bridge Freemasons Lodge will help Lions hearing dogs undergo vital training to help people with hearing impairments.
The donation, last Wednesday, resulted from a collaboration between the Murray Bridge Lodge and Freemasons SA and NT.
Lions Hearing Dogs provide assistance dogs to people with hearing impairments.
The freemasons presented them with a cheque at the Lions Hearing Dogs headquarters in the Adelaide Hills on October 16.
The $100,000 will be directed towards the training and placement of assistance dogs, covering costs associated with dog care, including training, food, veterinary services, and equipment.
Lions Hearing Dogs train dogs to alert their owners to important sounds such as smoke alarms, doorbells, and telephones, enabling greater independence and safety for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Since its founding, Lions Hearing Dogs has placed more than 600 hearing dogs with recipients across Australia.
SA and NT Freemasons Grand Master Bill Merrill said the donation underscored their commitment to supporting life-changing initiatives.
"These incredible dogs provide vital assistance, helping people with hearing impairments lead more independent and secure lives," he said.
Lions Hearing Dogs training manager Nick Liemandt with trainee psychiatric assistance dog Victor, and trainer Carly Butler with diabetic alert dog in training Mimi. Photos: Freemasons.
In addition to training and care, the donation will also support the expansion of the organisation’s outreach and education programs.
These are aimed at raising awareness about hearing loss and the role hearing dogs play in assisting individuals.
Lions Hearing Dogs CEO David Horne said their life-changing services cannot continue without these types of donations.
"As a proud Lions project, we see Freemasons as kindred spirits, personifying volunteerism and community-focused giving," he said.
"This donation is an investment in our future, to allow the organisation to expand and increase in capacity to support more Australians in need."
- More information: Visit lionshearingdogs.com.au or www.joinfreemasonry.com.au.
