Charity alliance helps out children’s ward

Freemasons on the Central Coast, The Central Coast Lodge, and the Central Coast Steam Model Co-op have banded together to raise money for a specialised bath for the children’s ward at Gosford Hospital.

The Hi-Lo Baby Bath on wheels has a heating system to keep the water at a constant temperature, a drainage system with a discharge pump and various apparatus to help new mums bathe their bundles of joy without the need for a second person.

“We had estimated that 12 months would be enough time to raise the money needed for the purchase of the bath, but over the past 11 months quite a few Saturdays were rained out with the train tracks under water on more than one occasion and we had raised less than $3,000,” a spokesperson said.

“To make things worse Gosford Hospital called to tell us that their current bath had just failed so Freemasons started the donation process for the purchase … and (the bath) was delivered with all haste.”

The Children’s Ward Unit Manager said the bath would make an incredible difference to our sick children on the Coast.

“Our team feels incredibly supported by the Freemasons on the Central Coast,” she said.

In addition to the baby bath, Freemasons on the Central Coast also bought an AED defibrillator for the Carer’s Cottage, also based at Gosford Hospital.

The cottage helps with general assistance, counselling and, most importantly, respite from caring for a loved one – a cup of tea, and a good chat.

After the presentation of the bath and the AED it was decided that the fundraising should continue for the children’s ward, with just one Saturday yielding $3,000.

Masonicare (the charity arm of the United Grand Lodge of NSW and ACT) doubled the amount to $6,000, which was presented to the children’s ward for its wish list.

The relationship between the Steam Model Co-op and the Freemasons commenced many years ago when another local masonic lodge, Lodge Saratoga, bought a barbecue (still in use) and many lengths of rail track for the Gosford site.

More recently The Central Coast Lodge has assisted in the purchase of more rail track, and on the first Saturday of each month the Freemasons of District 21 (Central Coast) volunteer their time organising and selling sausage sandwiches and drinks to the families who flock to the miniature steam train in Showground Rd.

“It’s a wonderful atmosphere and a great place to take the kids,” a spokesperson said.

“At 9am, the miniature model steam train enthusiasts arrive.

“They check the track to ensure it is safe, check the under carriages, open the doors, sweep the paths and prepare the engines for a full day’s entertainment for the children and their parents – plus those who dream of the past.

“As 10 o’clock arrives, with the sausages cooked and the trains checked, the whistles start blowing and the children are getting very excited.”