MASONIC DISASTER RELIEF

Many people feel a sense of hopelessness following a natural disaster as they try to come to grips with their homes being unlivable, repair bills in the tens of thousands of dollars and nowhere to turn for assistance. The concept for MDR Disaster Relief was born from this helplessness and a vow to relieve distress. These people could be your neighbors, your family or even yourself. In 2016 an unnamed storm stalled over Southern Louisiana, dropping 30 inches of rain in 24 hours and causing what is now being called a thousand year flood. The night the storm struck, August 12th Joseph "Joe" Ryan was listening to his ham radio in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania when he heard a call for help from 1200 miles away in Denham Springs, Louisiana. The man begging for help was sitting on the roof of his home watching as the flood waters rose higher and higher. Thanks to his military and FEMA training, Joe was able to contact the Coast Guard and save the man's life. As Joe watched the impact of the torrential rains on television he decided to launch is idea that would become MDR Disaster Relief. Joe began contacting various Masonic bodies he belonged to, raising $1 million to help those in Louisiana.