The Masonic Province of Tyrone and Fermanagh has raised an incredible £41,000 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (AANI), which will fund the service for more than one week.
The organisation presented the cheque to AANI Head of Fundraising Kerry Anderson and Charity Trustee Rodney Connor at The Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh on 27 February. In celebration of their 150th Anniversary an initial target of £150 for each 41 lodges was set which was substantially exceeded.
A variety of fundraising events took place including sponsored walks, coffee mornings, car displays and raffles all of which contributed to the fantastic donation.
Maurice Lee Provincial Grand Master Tyrone and Fermanagh personally visited each of the lodges in a 24-hour period during the fundraising efforts and said, “We are so thrilled with what has been achieved. AANI is an incredible charity providing a vital and potentially life-saving service and is already making a huge difference in rural communities. I am so grateful to the efforts put in by each and every one of our lodges.
“UK Freemasonry is the largest contributor to charitable causes after the National Lottery and we are delighted to continue with this tradition.”
The Masonic Province of Tyrone and Fermanagh was constituted in 1868 and is comprised of the Counties of Tyrone and Fermanagh. Currently it is made up of 41 Craft Lodges, 14 of which have a Royal Arch Chapter bearing the same name and number
Kerry Anderson AANI Head of Fundraising said, “We are so grateful for the support of Masonic Province of Tyrone and Fermanagh and completely bowled over by total raised.
“Maurice’s leadership of the project has been fantastic. We are so grateful to him and to all of the 41 lodges as well as the other Masonic lodges that have supported AANI throughout our journey.”