The Eureka Fire Department (EFD) was officially presented with a $3,282 donation last Monday, July 21, to help purchase grain rescue materials.
Members of Fidelity Lodge No. 106 in Eureka made this happen through fundraising endeavors and with the assistance of the Kansas Masonic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities. “Greenwood County and the surrounding area is primarily an agricultural region and the need for rescue equipment for grain entrapment will be a welcome addition to the community,” stated Past Master Craig Olson.
“At this time, there is no equipment of this type in the vicinity, and we, as Brothers, believe helping purchase new equipment will help reduce the risk for rescue personnel,” said Fidelity Lodge No. 106 Secretary Stanley Porter.
According to Luke Westerman, EFD Chief, this rescue equipment would have been difficult to purchase with their current budget.
In accepting the donation he said, “the volunteer firefighters appreciate the donation of this equipment to help make the citizens of Greenwood County safer.”
The Brothers at Fidelity Lodge No. 106 teamed up with the Kansas Masonic Foundation to provide the monetary donation. All funds donated will help the organization purchase a Basic (6- Panel) Tuffkote Rescue Wall Kit, enabling them to perform grain rescues.
Adding to the donations were Midwest Mill Modernization, Inc. who donated auger materials and Tim Morris who built and donated a grain rescue auger to EFD.
Founded in 1871, Fidelity Lodge 106 in Eureka was chartered in 1871 by the Grand Lodge of Kansas. Currently, the lodge has 67 members and works to improve the lives and character of its members, while helping the community. Some of the other things that the lodge does is, give scholarships to local youth, sends students to band camp, donates to the after-prom program, help the fire department purchase new equipment, assist neighboring lodges with degree work, help the widows of deceased members, gives away free snow cones during parades, donates to the Kansas Masonic Foundation, along with numerous other things.
About the Kansas Masonic Foundation:
As the philanthropic arm of Kansas Masons, the Kansas Masonic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities and supporting fellow Masons and their families. Since its inception, the foundation has invested more than $50 million in Kansas communities and individuals through funding academic, scientific, and charitable endeavors. For additional information about the Kansas Masonic Foundation and to get involved, please visit https:// kansasmasonic.foundation/
