A Freemason is a member of the world's largest fraternal organization. He not only enjoys the friendship and brotherhood of other Freemasons in his community, but also is welcomed by Freemasons anywhere in the world.
A Freemason is a man of faith, who uses tools of moral and ethical principles to serve mankind. He binds himself to like-minded men in a brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethnic, social, cultural and educational differences. A Freemason shows the aspirations and obligations of men of good will who seek to make themselves better than they are - not better than others.
A Freemason is dedicated - he recognizes his responsibility for justice, truth, charity, honesty and integrity. Freemasons work building their lives and character, just as a carpenter works at building
a house.
A Freemason believes that there is such a thing as honour, and that a man has a responsibility to act with honour in everything he does. A Freemason teaches that principle. He believes that a life not founded on honour is hollow and empty - that a man who acts without honour is less than a man.
A Freemason believes that it is not only more blessed to give than to receive, it's also more rewarding. He becomes involved with problems and needs of others because he knows it gives each of us a good feeling to help, a feeling unlike any other.
A Freemason believes that every person should strive to be a good citizen and that he has a moral duty to be true to the country in which he lives, for loyalty to one's country is essential.
A Freemason is expected to obey every lawful authority, obey the laws of the country in which he lives and promote its general welfare. In no way do these requirements interfere with a Freemason's civil right to protest and seek legislative changes by lawful means.
Freemasons and the Masonic family contribute not only their money, but also an incredible amount of time to various charities. Internationally the Masonic family donates over three million dollars per day to various charitable works. Much of our help is given anonymously. We're not after gratitude. We're more than rewarded by that feeling which comes from knowing we have helped another person overcome some adversity, so that their life can go on.
The Freemasons of British Columbia purchased a fleet of vehicles in 1989 and established a Volunteer Driver Program which operates in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and in the Okanagan. The program provides transportation, free of charge, for cancer patients from their homes or hotel to the various cancer treatment centres, and return.
This project, which has approximately 250 volunteers, 90 percent of whom are Freemasons, operates in conjunction with the Canadian Cancer Society.
Each year Freemasons, in addition to the Cancer 'car Project, contribute many thousands of dollars toward providing medical equipment to hospitals, health centres, and to local community projects throughout British Columbia. Financial assistance is also directed to schools for handicapped children, bursaries for deserving students, and assistance to the elderly.
