The Masonic Provincial Grand Lodge of Armagh has donated £3,000 to the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT).
The funds will help the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland Trust provide a dedicated flight to Lapland for children with life-limiting conditions, complete with healthcare professionals, equipment, and necessary medications onboard.
The funds were raised during the Province’s annual golf competition, held earlier this year at Portadown Golf Club.
In recognition of the ongoing support that the Province of Armagh has given NICLT, the charity presented it with a crystal plaque as a token of appreciation.
This year’s fundraising event hosted by the Masonic Provincial Grand Lodge of Armagh supported both NICLT and PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland, with the majority of funds raised on the event day itself.
Additional contributions were also provided by the Provincial Grand Lodge’s charity fund.
With this latest donation, the Masonic Order has raised over £35,000 over 14 years to support NICLT’s work.
Speaking about the impact of the Masonic Order’s contributions, Colin Barkley, Chair, NI Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust said: “Every year, we fill an aeroplane with children who have very specific medical needs, along with their parent or carer, healthcare professionals, and essential equipment, to make the magical journey to Lapland possible.
“This year, as costs have risen due to economic pressures, the support of the Masonic Order has been more crucial than ever. Their steadfast commitment has been instrumental in enabling us to make this trip a reality.”
The Armagh Provincial Assistant Grand Master and Golf Committee Chair, John Richardson, echoed these sentiments, saying: “We are delighted to support NICLT and the incredible work they do in bringing joy to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.
“We’re grateful to everyone who supported our golf event, and we thank Portadown Golf Club for hosting us. Together, we’re proud to make a meaningful difference.”
The NICLT is set to embark on its much-anticipated annual Lapland trip on December 16, 2024, bringing joy, excitement, and holiday magic to over a hundred children facing terminal illness and life-limiting conditions.
This heartwarming journey, made possible through the generous collaboration of TUI, Belfast International Airport, Swissport, and Wild Nordic, promises to create unforgettable memories for the young participants, many of whom have never even boarded a plane before.
The Lapland adventure, now in its thirteenth year, will transport the children to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus on the Arctic Circle in Lapland, Finland. The day will be packed with enchanting activities, including reindeer and husky dog rides, mini skidoo adventures, a snowmobile safari, magic sleigh rides, and a special meeting with Santa Claus himself.
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