Ripcord22A
Site Benefactor
Last Night we had a discussion during Open Lodge on Masonic Charity and what it meant to the brethren. The main points that everyone agreed on is that Masonic Charity doesn't have to be of the philanthropic varity. Giving your time either in a soup kitchen or habitat for humanity type thing, or just being there for some one. And also that we as an Organization from the individual through GL should focus on the children. Kids cant help themselves, adults can. A kid can pick up an extra shift or cut out unnecessary things from their budget to but that used winter jacket or pair of shoes.
A point that I brought up is that charity can also be telling someone NO. That vagrant standing on the side of the road with the "Homeless VET" sign, is only there because it works. IF everyone started telling that person NO, and instead of giving them money or food; aka HANDOUTS, and started giving them the business card of someone looking for workers, or something; aka HANDUPS then that person would be forced to improve their situation which in turn would help the whole community as it would be one less person on Govt assistance and one more person paying their fair share!
What say you Brothers?
A point that I brought up is that charity can also be telling someone NO. That vagrant standing on the side of the road with the "Homeless VET" sign, is only there because it works. IF everyone started telling that person NO, and instead of giving them money or food; aka HANDOUTS, and started giving them the business card of someone looking for workers, or something; aka HANDUPS then that person would be forced to improve their situation which in turn would help the whole community as it would be one less person on Govt assistance and one more person paying their fair share!
What say you Brothers?