Community Connections
This project is an initiative of the Masonic Motorcycle Association of Australia Inc (MMAA Inc) Victorian Chapter, managed by us and assisted by MasonsConnect. For information that you can hand out and distribute visit community connections brochure. The purpose of the program is to provide worthy organisations, families and individuals with fully functional computer systems and free dial-up internet access (courtesy of the Internet Service Provider, WebProphets). This project is one way in which we can provide a worthwhile service to others, whilst ensuring that Freemasonry has been seen to be “at work within the community”.
Initially, we were able to supply computer systems comprising Pentium 3 computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse and Windows 2000 O.S. For the past eighteen months, or so, we have been able to provide full Pentium 4 systems with Windows XP Professional (fully licensed), keyboard, mouse and monitor.
To date we have provided:
41 systems plus a fax copier to various Community organisations enabling them to set up free adult education centres and also programs to allow unemployed, work for the dole, people to access the internet for “job search”, write resumes etc.
3 systems (one with internet) to a Northern Suburbs Citizens Advice Bureau.
10 systems to a South-Eastern suburb Community Support Service.
35 full systems (nine with internet) to deserving families with school children.
Conservatively, to date, the estimated value of systems distributed by us, is around $31,000!!! This is based on each system being valued at approx. $350.
At an average, each system, delivered to the recipients, fully installed and ready to go has cost us just under $25 for parts, hardware, cables etc. I am very proud to say that these systems have made significant changes to some people’s lives and have benefited many more.
All the computers distributed to date were donated by three organisations that were in the process of upgrading their equipment. Thanks to Greg Marshall of the Victorian Chapter, we were given full access to their superseded stock. Without the assistance of these organisations, and Greg’s superior sourcing prowess, we could never have achieved what we have to date. That said, we have much work left to do and many people to help, so, I am hoping that Lodges and Freemasons in general, will assist us to continue our project within the community.
We are not operating this project to promote our motorcycle club. The intention is to show the face of Freemasonry at work within the community. When a recipient asks who they should thank, I simply say that the system is provided by Freemasons Victoria and I provide them with the Grand Lodge address. I am still amazed at how many people have never heard of Freemasonry! At least through this work, we are spreading the word and are being seen to be active within the community.
Finally, although we are currently very busy preparing and distributing our computer systems, we are fast running out of good stock, and funds, and are now in need of more systems to give out. If any person or Lodge is able to assist us through a donation of funds, it will be thankfully received and faithfully applied. Additionally, if you know of any individual, family or community organisation that is deserving of our assistance, please contact me on (0425) 755 224 and I will see what can be done to assist.
We’ll keep on keeping on while we can.
Wor.Bro. Terry Webster
National President
M.M.A.A. Inc.
Project co-ordinator
