Shop 44 will be operated by District 44 Masonic Charities and many local volunteers who have already put in an enormous amount of work, setting up this project.

The building has been refurbished and set up to improve the experience of both customers and volunteers.

District 44 have been supporting the local communities of the Manning, Great Lakes, Gloucester and the Camden Haven areas for several generations.

It is hoped from this initiative that this local charity group will be able to allocate more funds to local initiatives. The group is currently raising funds to support the Push for Palliative Care group.

Local Masonic groups have this year celebrated 140 years of service to local communities.

From the days of caravans selling food and drinks at the Taree Aquatic Festivals in the heyday, to entertainment and trivia evenings and raffles for cars, they have been raising money for the local area. Donations in recent years include: The Royal Society for Deaf and Blind Children locally $9500; district palliative care $56,000; the Hunter Youth Wind Ensemble $1350; basketballers attending state competitions $1000; Forster Community Radio $15,600; Gloucester Memorial Hospital $14,600; chemotherapy unit at Forster $16,200; Harrington Oxy – Viva $3400; Great Lakes and Taree TAFE campuses $500 each year; Lower North Coast Life Saving $16,000; Riding for the Disabled $9000; Gymaroos $3600; Camden Haven Marine Rescue $5000; Manning Hospital $8000.

As well they support the Frank Whiddon Retirement Villages in Wingham and Laurieton.

Shop 44 will officially open its doors at 28 Albert Street, Taree, opposite the Post Office on Monday, August 13.