Southern Star Lodge Charity Donation to The Visually Impaired Brethren, as you are all aware, each Lodge during it year has a plan for a Charity Donation, which is usually topped up by the SIEMDCT. This year, as Master of Southern Star Lodge I decided to use its Masters Charity fund which amounted to $2000 topped to $4000, for the Low vision NZ Guide Dogs Association. This donation will assist the association to obtain, train and maintain dogs for the Visually impaired, to give them more freedom for moving about especially in our busy society of today. The dogs also make wonderful pets and are really good company for their owners. Our Lodge’s Charity Steward, Wor Bro Ian McEwan made contact and arrangements for a visit to the office of the Stoke branch here in Nelson. On Wednesday 13th October Ian McEwan, Jeff Grimmett and myself presented ourselves at the LVNZGDA office and were met, and made very welcome by the Client Services Manager Jessica Nelipovich and some of her staff. Another visitor was John Monk, a client with his black Labrador, Blake. We were also very pleased to have along a photographer/reporter from the Waimea Weekly who took a number of photos and notes of the presentation. Once introductions had been made, I gave a short rundown of the reason for the donation. That being in the memory of the late Wor Bro Ray Wastney, a well-respected member of the Lodge who, with his failing eyesight, had been so well looked after by the association, prior to his passing. At the request of the newspaper photographer, we trooped outside the premises where I handed over a certificate for the $4000 to Jessica in front of the Blind Low Vision sign. This photo was then used in the article appearing in the publication later in the week. We were thanked most sincerely and assured that the amount would be put to very good use by the Association. Wor Bro Dave Stenning. PAGDC. PDDGM. The 168th Master, Southern Star Lodge No 735.