Masons, community partners distribute 1,000 free meals to Sinlaku survivors

Emon Masonic Lodge No. 179, with support from Guam Masons and several community partners, distributed 1,000 free meals last May 16 at the Garapan Fishing Base to assist residents still recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

The community meal distribution was initially made possible through a $1,450 donation from Guam Masons and the Order of the Eastern Star-Verona Chapter in Guam intended for fellow Masons on Saipan affected by the typhoon. Saipan Masons later decided to extend the assistance to the wider community with an additional $2,550 from the Emon Masonic Lodge No. 179 community fund.

The Lady Dianne Foundation provided logistics support, including tents, tables, and manpower for the event.

Former governor Ralph DLG Torres said the food drive was organized through the Masonic lodge with assistance from Guam Masons and local nonprofit organizations and businesses.

“So, Emon Masonic Lodge No. 179 is doing a food drive and distribution for our community along with our brethren from Guam that's helping us and some of the other non-profit organizations and some other businesses help coordinate today's food drive for our community,” Torres said.

Torres said 1,000 meals and water bottles were prepared for distribution through a drive-through setup at the Garapan Fishing Base.

“So, we have a thousand meals that has been purchased from a couple vendors and so that's what we'll be giving out today along with the water,” he said.

The meals were prepared by Bourbon Street Cafe Bar Restaurant and Puerto Rico Bento Restaurant.

Asked about the public response, Torres said residents were appreciative of the assistance.

“Very grateful. If there's anything that we get out of it, it's just grateful and thankful for giving this opportunity for our community,” he said.

Torres said the lodge has participated in previous relief efforts since the typhoon, but noted this was the first food distribution coordinated through the lodge itself.

“Well, we are, I mean, we've done a lot of other distributions but for now this is the first food distribution that have been coordinated through the lodge,” he said.

Torres also shared a message for residents continuing recovery efforts following Sinlaku.

“Well, for everyone, I know that it's been very difficult for all of us and from the Masonic Lodge and through our brethren. We just want to give a little something to uplift the community and we should all work together and continue to help each other, our neighbors,” he said.

“Because we all call Saipan our home. One love, one Marianas and join us in this journey to revive our economy and our people.”