December 20, 2013
The South Burnett Masonic Lodge had an extra surprise for Kingaroy residents Vicki and Ross Bean this week.
The couple has been battling ill health this year and – for the first time in 25 years – were unable to put up their traditional Christmas lights display at their home at the corner of Webster and Jarrah streets.
Word spread around town about their plight, and on December 11 a group of 30 volunteers turned up on the couple’s doorstep to do the job for them, assisted by a $400 gift from Sunshine Mitre 10.
It normally takes Ross about 60 hours to mount his Christmas light display but the volunteers did the job in a little under three hours.
On Wednesday this week the South Burnett Masonic Lodge met to present a Certificate Of Appreciation to James and Jill McKee from Ray White Kingaroy and Nanango for lending the group a marquee for the Mason’s stand at this year’s Motors in Motion festival.
The stand was to promote the group, and also to raise funds for their Charity Fund.
A few years ago the Masons had used the charity fund to purchase tables for local SES crews. And next year the group will be raising funds to help the region’s Girl Guide troops buy tents.
But this year – hearing about Vicki and Ross Bean’s plight – the Masons thought a Christmas hamper for the family might be just the ticket.
And on Wednesday they presented the gift to Vicki.
Lodge Secretary Martin Harmsworth told southburnett.com.au the plight of the Beans had touched the group.
“Ross and Vicki have given a lot of joy to the town for decades,” he said.
“We wanted to give them something back.”
(Photos: Nanango Electorate Office)
