‘Venezuela disaster relief appeal’

    

An urgent plea from the Masonic Service Association of North America:

Venezuela Earthquake

Disaster Relief Appeal

On June 24, two large earthquakes struck northwestern and central Venezuela, both centered in San Felipe, Yaracur. Currently hundreds of thousands are homeless, more than 5,000 were killed, at least 16,500 are injured, and tens of thousands remain missing. As of July 17, at least five brother Masons with 300 relatives of brothers were also killed. Thousands more have lost their homes, their livelihoods, their worldly possessions. Lastly, the Grand Lodge Temple in Caracas, built in 1873, was severely damaged.

As Brothers of the Craft, let us remember that adversity only strengthens our international bonds. Let us also use this moment to reflect on the fragility of life and the importance of being prepared, not just physically, but also in terms of the support systems we offer to one another.

José Gregorio Sardelli Bravo, Grand Master Grand Lodge of the Republic of Venezuela, has requested the Masonic Service Association of North America to issue this Disaster Relief Appeal. The MSANA Board of Commissioners has endorsed this request. If you choose to give to this appeal please forward any donations you feel appropriate to help our devastated Brothers and their families in this stricken grand jurisdiction to MSANA.

Please make checks payable to MSA Disaster Relief Appeal and mail to:

Masonic Service Association

813 1st Avenue SE

Suite 357

Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

Online donations here.

When remitting by check, please clearly mark that you wish the funds to go to the Venezuela Earthquake Relief Appeal.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Mark A. Tabbert, PM

Administrator

Masonic Service Association

of North America