By Nasratu Kargbo
The District Lodge of Sierra Leone and the Gambia has donated a sum of 70,000 (seventy thousand) new Leones to Cancer UK-Salone and King George the Sixth Memorial Home for the aged.
The gesture was done during a Press Conference held at the Georgearcland Masonic Temple, Freetown on the 16th of August 2023. 50,000 (fifty thousand) new Leones of that sum will go to Cancer UK-Salone to fight prostate cancer in the country, whilst the 20,000 (twenty thousand) new Leone will support the running of the King Georges Home.
Speaking at the conference, the Grand Master Mason of Scotland William Ramsay McGhee who was in the country to visit said they are demonstrating brotherly love by investing in the fight against cancer.
He revealed that they had done the same in Scotland and that the funds for the cancer cause in his country are not only for those suffering from the disease in the country but also for research. “Results of that research will help men the world over,” the Grand Master said.
The Grand Master of the District Lodge of Sierra Leone and the Gambia Chrispin Deigh said they think of others, adding that just like their parent Grand Mason of Scotland they are heavily involved in charity.
He said they are focused on the disease that affects men since their brotherhood comprised only male membership.
The Home Manager of King George Home Makalay Mansaray expressed gratitude for the donation to the home, stressing that it will go a long way in sustaining them.
Mansaray extended an open invitation to members of the public to make donations to the home, encouraging people to go spend their birthdays with the aged. She stated that they have an old woman who is 94 and that extending a kind gesture to such a person can be a blessing.
She said the home depends mostly on donations.
Len Gordon-Harris from Cancer UK-Salone told journalists that though this year their focus is on prostate cancer, they will also be addressing other types of cancer.
Speaking on why their focus on prostate cancer, the doctor explained that it is more prevalent and severe amongst black men as compared to their Caucasian counterparts, hence the need to raise awareness amongst Sierra Leonean men.
Dr. Gordon Harris said part of the funds will be used for massive education, testing, diagnosing, and treatment of prostate cancer.
He expressed appreciation for the donation and stressed that their organization will not relent in creating public awareness about the disease.
The event saw the presentation of the cheques to the two organizations.
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