Good afternoon Brethren

Some of you have reached out to me expressing your generous intentions of support to our Brothers affected by the Jasper wildfires.  I thank you all for your kindness and concern. 

Let me provide you with a few updates in the hope of addressing some of your questions:

• I have just spoken to the Chair of the Benevolence Committee, MW Bro. John Cameron and assured me that monetary assistance is readily available.  There is a procedure however that must be followed and that any financial support released at this point may run in conflict with the government program already in place.  
• VW Bro. Bev Bentley (Grand Steward) and who is also a member of Jasper Park 143, is our main contact there and has been providing us with regular updates.  Thankfully, our Brothers had places to go during the evacuation and everyone is reported safe.  VW Bro. Bentley agrees with the comments of the Benevolence Committee Chair and it would be best to wait until things clear up.  The beautiful Jasper Park Lodge luckily was spared from the fires.  (* A “Rally Behind Our Jasper Brethren” has been suggested and if this noble plan pushes through, we can all bring Freemasonry to Jasper one Saturday in the near future.)
• RW Bro. Sandy Robinson, the most senior member of Jasper 143 and a resident of the town is now with his son in BC and is doing well.
• If any Brother insists on donating funds, it must be addressed to the Grand Lodge.  The Grand Secretary has informed me that such funds will be earmarked for this purpose.  Feel free to direct your queries to the Grand Secretary.
• RW Bro. Glenn White, Yellowhead DDGM, together with vigilant Masonic leaders west of the city are still on stand by, ready to extend assistance if needed.  We are grateful to them.

It may take some time for our Brothers and their families before they may be allowed to return home…they certainly need our prayers still.

Will