The Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation, based in Holden, plans to provide up to $50,000 through a special matching grant initiative for Ukrainian relief, designated to help Ukrainian people who are living through the devastation and tragedies from war in their country, according to a news release from the foundation.

Grand Master Richard M. Nadeau said, “We’ve heard from so many that want to help our friends in Ukraine, those that have stayed in their country and those that have fled to other countries for safety, so we decided to do something about it.”

The foundation’s board of trustees set up a special matching grant to encourage those that wish to help, to do so now and double the impact of their giving. The foundation will match the first $50,000 in donations. The goal is to raise an additional $50,000 quickly and be able to send $100,000 to trustworthy and vetted organizations with response teams and infrastructure on the ground to deliver the aid and supplies where needed most.

Maine Masonic Lodges are working to raise funds locally. The public can make a secure donation at mainemcf.org.

Comments are not available on this story.