Freemasons donate presents to Women's Refuge

Freemasons' Charlie Windell and son Jacob, 13, are donating presents to the Women's Refuge this Christmas. Photo / Stephen Parker

The Freemasons have once again stepped in to help those in need this Christmas.

The organisation has already donated more than $1000 worth of groceries to the Salvation Army Foodbank as part of the Rotorua Daily Post Salvation Army Christmas Appeal, and is now getting on board with another worthy cause.

The charity provides food and assistance to hundreds of people across the Rotorua district, with Freemasons Lodge Arawa and Lodge Rotorua encouraging members of their organisation to bring canned goods to their weekly meetings to help the cause.

With hundreds of items collected, estimated to be worth more than $1000, the Freemasons have decided to also help the Waiariki Women's Refuge.

The Freemasons have donated dozens of wrapped presents to the refuge to help local families affected by domestic violence.

Lodge Arawa Master of the Lodge Charlie Windell said the organisation wanted to help as many people as it could this Christmas.

"The refuge is a fantastic cause and hopefully what we've donated will go a long way to bring a bit of Christmas joy to these children and families who are going through a stressful time."

Mr Windell said the Freemasons wanted to dispel the myth it was a secretive society and raise its involvement in the local community.

A Waiariki Women's Refuge spokeswoman said she was amazed by the Freemasons' generosity.

"It's a wonderful gesture. We're currently in the process of preparing the presents for Christmas and these extra presents will certainly help."