The Masonic Charitable Foundation has donated £50,000 to the Red Cross relief effort in Haiti, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Jamaica and the Bahamas, in the wake of devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew over recent days.

The donation will give continued Red Cross support to over 1,650,000 individuals and families suffering as a result of the hurricane, which has already claimed the lives of over 900 people, and left over 18,000 people homeless.

As well as running 84 evacuation shelters, the Red Cross has more than 500 disaster workers and 90 response vehicles ready to help in the affected states. They have pre-positioned more than 30 truckloads of shelter supplies, ready-to-eat meals, clean-up and comfort kits.

Chief Executive of The Masonic Charitable Foundation, David Innes, said:

“The severe impact of hurricanes such as Hurricane Matthew across parts of Haiti, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Jamaica and the Bahamas continues to cause untold misery and serious problems for many families. The Foundation has been particularly shocked by the adverse conditions and circumstances people have faced and we want to do everything we can to help the Red Cross’s vital work on the ground, helping individuals stay safe and rebuild their lives.”

The Red Cross is working in close collaboration with government officials and community partners to make sure people have access to shelter, clean water, sanitation & hygiene kits.

The Masonic Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting communities affected by natural disasters, having previously donated to the Nepal Earthquake, Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund and the British Red Cross throughout 2015.

For more information on the work of the Masonic Charitable Foundation please visit here.