The Masonic Lodges of Ontario District have donated $35,000 to the Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) Foundation through Project Hope, an initiative to support cancer patients.
Spearheaded by District Deputy Grand Master Ron DeMerchant, a 35-year member of the Masonic Lodge and resident of Brighton, the funds will assist patients and families receiving outpatient treatment at NHH and Durham Regional Cancer Centre.
DeMerchant, whose family has personally experienced the challenges of cancer treatment, selected this cause to alleviate the burdens patients face, such as travel expenses, parking fees, and meal costs. “I wanted to help give them hope by taking away some of these worries,” DeMerchant shared.
Funds were raised through a series of community events, including a gala, bonspiel, barbecue, and the sale of Project Hope pins and coins. The Masonic Foundation of Ontario topped up the funds by 25%, and a personal donation from one member helped reach the final $35,000.
Rhonda Cunningham, CEO of NHH Foundation, expressed gratitude for the Masons’ support, stating, “This will make a huge difference in the lives of local cancer patients.” Cunningham went on to say that the donation will help make the treatment journey easier for patients in Northumberland County.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
