Dr. Sylvia Simmonds who is a Volunteer Counselor with the FSN, accepted the donations with joy, as the FSN’s pantry had recently been depleted and the goods would go a long way at replensihing the pantry. Photo: supplied

In support of the Family Support Network and their mission, KSA #778 held a “Can-Drive” outside of One Mart SuperStore after being declined the same opportunity at RiteWay (Pasea Esteate). As the many shoppers came and went, the members of the fraternity lobbied them and asked each shopper to give a canned good, or any other supply they could, in support of the FSN. Each canned good donated would go towards aiding in the stocking of the FSN’s pantry.

Almost every single shopper on that day gave generously from their cart of shopping, while others gave monetary donations to support the cause. The members of this Prince Hall Masonic organization worked tirelessly throughout the day asking for donations beginning at 9:00 am until well after 5:00 pm that afternoon. “The support received from the public was far beyond anything we had expected” said Ottley Rymer Jr. who is the head of the organization. He went on to say that “The contributions that poured allowed us to donate over 10 boxes of canned goods, food and hygiene products to the pantry at the Family Support Network Office. We are extremely proud to be able to give back to our community and thankful for everyone’s support.”

Dr. Sylvia Simmonds who is a Volunteer Counselor with the FSN, accepted the donations with joy, as the FSN’s pantry had recently been depleted and the goods would go a long way at replensihing the pantry.

This can drive was an effort that directly represents one of the major goals of KSA #778, which is to help and to serve the BVI’s communities…especially those of a less fortunate nature. While many persons in the community have stigmas about the organization, KSA #778 continues to press on to give back to this little nation they call home. Mr. Rymer went on to state that the Lodge was denied the opportunity to conduct the same Can Drive at RiteWay in Pasea, “undoubtedly as a result of many of false rumors and misconceptions about Free Masonry”, but was very much humbled and thankful to One Mart for their support and seeing past these stigmas to what his Lodge was really trying to accomplish. “The Vantertpool family is very community minded and we thank them especially for this opportunity” beamed Mr. Rymer.

The Lodge has continued to do many other charitable events in the BVI and just recently concluded their annual graffiti party held at Captain Mulligan’s on March 2nd 2013. This event is another initiative of KSA #778 to raise funds for two (2) book scholarships that will be awarded to two deserving high school graduates at the upcoming Secondary-School graduation exercises in June.

To learn more about this organization and its charitable efforts persons can email ksabvi@gmail.com or visit http://www.mwuglflorida.org or they can contact any of the members of King Solomon’s Ashlars Lodge #778 directly.