Recently an urgent appeal for charitable and benevolent assistance was made on behalf of the family of one the most respected and longest-serving Past Masters of Birch Cliff Lodge, W. Bro. Theo Doughty, a 25-year member.
In August, 2008, Dallin Doughty, the infant grandson of W. Bro. Doughty, lapsed into a comatose state while being buckled into his car seat by his mother.
Doctors at Toronto's Sick Children's Hospital diagnosed Dallin as suffering from a congenital condition called an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), which is located on his brainstem. This malformed or tangled collection of blood vessels and arteries, results in inadequate tissue oxygenation in his central nervous system and in Dallin's case, has led to severe paralysis.
Dallin is now living at home in his parents' care, and is conscious, but almost entirely unresponsive. His condition has placed tremendous hardship on his parents, who are effectively house-bound as they may not legally transport him without the use of a specially-fitted van, specially equipped for properly securing his wheelchair during transport.
Such a van would normally cost in excess of $45,000.00. However, due to the passing of another infant with a similar condition, a late-model used van in excellent condition has become available to the family for the total cost of approximately $19,500.00.
I am pleased to advise that charitable and benevolent efforts are already underway to assist our worthy brother and his family in the purchase of this special needs vehicle. The Masonic Foundation of Ontario has assigned this cause a project number (#2404), and pledged $1,000.00 towards our charitable efforts and facilitating the issuance charitable receipts to individual donors. I have also declared this cause to be the Birch Cliff Lodge Master's Charity for the 2010 Masonic Year. We hope that within our own Lodge we may raise upwards of $3,500.00 through the proceeds of our charitable efforts during the coming year. Applications are also underway to our own Lodge's Benevolence Committee and the Grand Lodge Benevolence Fund.
However these efforts alone will fall short of securing sufficient funding for this charitable undertaking. For this reason, we are issuing an urgent appeal for charitable contributions in any amount you may feel disposed to give to assist us in attaining our goal and providing relief to the family of a very worthy brother in need of our assistance.
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