Having recognized the challenges faced by young males throughout the island, the Conception Lodge has opted to do its part by providing some much-needed financial assistance to the residents of the Father Mallighan’s Home for Boys who were successful in the 2018 CPEA.

Speaking to the Barnacle about the Lodge’s decision to assist the Home, was Past Master, Mr. Colin Dowe. According to Mr. Dowe, the Home was adopted by the Conception Lodge in 2014, and, almost $10,000 has been donated in support of various ventures since then. The fraternity pledges to make “good men better” and contribute positively to society. “Taking a holistic view of this commitment necessitates engaging persons outside of the membership,” he added. Therefore, upon identifying the needs and challenges faced in today’s society, “we feel a kindred spirit towards the Father Mallighan’s Home, and, as such have sought to assist them.”

This is the inaugural year of the scholarship fund, which came about in response to a clarion call made by the Chair of the Child Protection Authority (CPA), Mrs. Ann David-Antione after the release of the CPEA results.

The three young men from the Home who were successful in the 2018 CPEA Examinations will receive financial assistance to the tune of $1200 each per year for the five years of their secondary school education. According to Mr. Dowe, the money is to assist them with uniforms and school supplies. The selected lads are scheduled to commence their secondary school journey this September at Wesley College Secondary School and Boca Secondary School.

Mr. Dowe also told the Barnacle in an exclusive interview that the Conception Lodge is providing one-off support to two additional boys who were placed in secondary schools.

When probed about other means of support being provided to the youngsters, Mr. Dowe reaffirmed the Lodge’s commitment to holistic development. “Since the commitment is to their holistic development, our members will be volunteering at the Home with the aim of providing mentorship and serving as role models to all of the residents. In addition, the boys will be special guests at our public events, which will provide additional opportunities for mentorship and help them to enhance their social skills.”

Going a little deeper into other charities the Conception Lodge supports, Mr. Dowe said, “apart from this collaboration with the Child Protection Authority (CPA) which is the governing body of the Home, the Lodge has also made donations to the Pink Ribbon Society, the Kidney Patient Foundation and fire victims in various communities. Freemasons also contribute annually to the Queen Elizabeth Home and other worthy individual cases. Significant funds were also raised and dispatched as part of the regional hurricane relief efforts in 2017.” He added that quite a number of these donations had been done anonymously.

Worshipful Master of the Conception Lodge, Christopher Commissiong presented the cheque to Ms. Ingrid Lashington, Home Manager at the Home on Monday 27 August. Also present were other members of staff as well as members of the Conception Lodge and residents of the Home.