Freemasons Supporting Siblings

Freemasons Supporting Siblings

8th August 2011

On Wednesday the 27th of July, Interchange Outer East hosted its annual morning tea and Sibling Support presentation for the Freemasons.

The event, to acknowledge Freemasons ongoing support of Interchange’s Sibling program, was attended by a group of Freemason members and their wives and representatives of Interchange Outer East.  

Freemasons have supported Interchange’s Sibling Support program for the past two years, providing the funding to enable this important program to continue to operate. They have generously agreed to continue this support and Lionel May, on behalf of Freemasons, presented Interchange Outer East with $15,000 as their contribution to the Sibling Support program for the coming year, bringing their total contribution to the program to $45,000.

Sibling Coordinator, Jess Van Arendonk, summarised the sibling support program activities for the year and spoke of program plans for the coming year.  She also explained the reasons behind the need for sibling support programs and why Interchange Outer East has responded to that need. 

Interchange employees and siblings of people with disabilities, Lauren Tunstall and Graham Bergroth spoke about the experiences as siblings and their involvement in the Sibling Support Program, they also reminisced and shared stories about growing up attending many Family Camps.

Lauren said “At school, I always felt a bit isolated in that no one there could really relate to my life. Interchange provided my support network, it was where I could be myself with like minded people, in particular other siblings, who knew exactly where I was coming from. The friendships I have made through Interchange, I know will be for life.”

The Freemasons expressed their appreciation in hearing about the sibling experience from Lauren and Graham as their stories further enhanced their understanding of the importance of the family services that Interchange Outer East offers.  

Sarah Wilson, Interchange Services Team Leader, spoke about Interchange’s annual Family Camp and explained that the Sibling Support Program stems from the annual Family Camp, as do the other family services that Interchange Outer East offer.  

Fred Brumhead, IOE Executive Officer, told Freemasons “... Interchange Outer East has never just been about offering support to just the person with the disability. Our purpose is to provide service to the whole family. That means offering support to every person in that family, including siblings and parents”

In reply Freemasons expressed their gratitude to Interchange Outer East for the work they do in supporting the community, stating that community support is an extremely important aspect of Freemasonary.
Interchange Outer East is extremely grateful for Freemasons continued support and looks forward to continuing this relationship in the coming years.

by Jess Van Arendonk