The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF, the Freemasons’ charity), has committed up to £50,000 to support relief efforts in the Caribbean following Hurricane Melissa.

The MCF is working with partners in the region and the UK to identify how best to allocate the funds and support communities as they begin to rebuild.

James Long, President of the MCF, said:

“The images emerging from the Caribbean reveal the scale of devastation and human suffering caused by this disaster. On behalf of Freemasonry in England and Wales, we have set aside a fund to provide assistance and will work with our trusted partners to ensure help reaches those who need it most.”

Melissa, which struck Jamaica and other Caribbean islands last week, is the strongest hurricane ever recorded to make landfall on the island. At least 67 people are confirmed to have lost their lives, and thousands more have been affected by widespread destruction to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.