​Donation from Yarraville Lodge to Support BreastWest Program

June 2019

A generous donation of $5000 from the Yarraville Lodge, a member lodge of Freemasons Victoria, will support women in Melbourne's west undergoing breast cancer treatment through Western Health's BreastWest program.

The program supports around 300 patients annually, offering practical support for patients through the provision of BreastCare packs, as well as ancillary support such as vouchers for wigs, mastectomy bras and transport funding.

"Our BreastCare packs are one small way we can help patients experiencing a breast cancer diagnosis," says Sara Jorgensen, Breast Care Nurse.

"Each pack provides for the particular needs of patients at different stages in their care – to support them at diagnosis, during treatment and when facing surgery. We provide a mix of personal care items, recommended purchases and vouchers to cover what is required."

"Thanks to the generous donation from the Yarraville Lodge, we can continue to provide this important service to our patients."

Supporting the local community is something the Yarraville Lodge has been proudly doing for the past 100 years.

"Charity is one of the fundamental principles of Freemasonary," says the Right Worshipful Brother Ian Sterritt, Secretary of Yarraville Lodge.

"Some of the members of the Lodge and their families have had recent excellent support from BreastWest and it was our honour to facilitate this grant from The Freemasons Foundation."

The cheque was presented to Breast Care Nurse Sara Jorgensen and Philanthropy Manager Loretta Demasi from the Western Health Foundation at a Lodge meeting held on May 27.