Surfers for Autism Day

Over 40 Freemasons came together on 19 January 2013 from all over NSW to support the annual 'Surfers for Autism' day held at Nobbys Beach in Newcastle.

We stood proudly amongst over 1,000 of the general community, showing what masons do and who we are. With masons from south of Sydney and from the mid north coast as well as many from Newcastle and the Central Coast. Together we donated almost $7,000 in contributions, with $3,750 of this money coming directly from Masonicare's Interaction Grants program to ensure the day was a success. As well as the money donated, personal donations of items valued at over $1,500 in raffle prizes were given by Freemasons from all over the State.
Almost 200 special needs children were there and the bright green masonic rashie brigade were everywhere you looked, providing a clear view to the community of what kind of men masons are.

Lodge St James No 45 was this year's sponsoring lodge with several members in attendance to support their master W Bro Matt Salerno, as well as our Assistant Grand Master, RGC for R4, several DGIWs and the STEP program, as well as the wonderful members who turned up to cook, sell raffle tickets and get into the surf with a special little Australian.

The day was a fantastic success and a great promotion of the Craft in general. The organisers would like to personally thank everyone who supported them and this wonderful cause and together they helped make a difference in the lives of some wonderful special little Australians who came from all over, even as far as Katherine in the NT to attend this day of fun and therapy.

Any excess funds raised on the day will be utilised by Hunter Connect Families Inc. to support their fantastic social skills program that assists children who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder with preparing them for the sometimes confusing environment of mainstream high school and to teach them valuable social skills that normal developed children and teens take for granted.