A wonderful $103,500 has been raised for the Access to Adventure project, helping people with disabilities enjoy greater access to the sea. The cheque was presented by the Grand Master of New Zealand during Lodge Hatea’s regular meeting, marking a proud occasion for everyone who contributed. It was a celebration of generosity, community effort and the good that Freemasons and their supporters can achieve together.
Opening up opportunities on the water
Access to Adventure is dedicated to helping people living with disabilities and health challenges experience the freedom of the ocean. Its mission centres on making the sea more accessible, so more people can enjoy time on the water and the experiences that come with it.
The boat is to be fitted out with accessible features to accommodate multiple wheelchairs. This work will help create opportunities for wheelchair users to share an outing, enjoy the sea and take part in an adventure alongside others.
For many New Zealanders, spending time on the water is a treasured part of life. Accessibility can make a significant difference to who gets to share those experiences. Supporting this project is a practical way to help remove barriers and give more people the opportunity to enjoy our coastal environment.
A proud occasion at Lodge Hatea
The cheque presentation brought the fundraising effort together in a particularly meaningful way. Having the Grand Master of New Zealand present the $103,500 cheque during Lodge Hatea’s regular meeting made it a special occasion for the lodge and those who had helped make the donation possible.
Behind that cheque were many acts of kindness. Some involved a substantial gift, while others involved giving time, buying a sausage or making a personal donation. Together, those contributions built a remarkable total for a project with a clear community purpose.
The presentation was also a welcome opportunity to recognise the people behind the fundraising and reflect on what their efforts will help achieve.
Special thanks to Graham Richards and his wife
A heartfelt thank you goes to Graham Richards and his wife for their exceptionally generous donation of a Studebaker. The vehicle was auctioned, with all proceeds contributing to the $103,500 total raised for Access to Adventure.
Donating a vehicle is a substantial act of generosity. Their contribution deserves special recognition, along with our sincere gratitude for choosing to support a project that will help others experience the sea.
The Studebaker auction was an important part of this fundraising effort, turning a generous gift into practical support for fitting out the boat with accessible features.
Community fundraising strengthened by matching support
Another significant amount was raised through fundraising and matched by The Freemasons Charity, helping increase the overall contribution to the project.
That matching support gave further value to the efforts of everyone involved. From flipping sausages to making kind donations, supporters each played a part in reaching the final total.
Our thanks go to every volunteer, donor and supporter who helped along the way. Fundraising takes time, organisation and a willingness to lend a hand. This result reflects all of those contributions and the shared commitment to doing something worthwhile for others.
Follow the project’s progress
The $103,500 donation is a wonderful achievement, with a purpose that extends well beyond the cheque presentation. It will support work towards a boat that can welcome multiple wheelchair users and help make more adventures on the water possible.
We are proud to support Access to Adventure and grateful to everyone who helped reach this milestone. You can learn more and follow the project’s progress through the Access to Adventure website.
Contact us
To find out more about Lodge Hatea’s charitable work or discuss supporting future community fundraising, please get in touch with the lodge. We welcome interest from anyone who would like to help make a difference.
