Orange Order effort to bolster frontline PPE supplies in NI

Tens of thousands of healthcare personal protective equipment (PPE) items have been acquired by the Orange Order for health professionals on both sides of the Irish border.
Deputy Grand Master Harold Henning and Brother Chris Wallace unload part of the PPE consignment at Kilkeel Orange HallDeputy Grand Master Harold Henning and Brother Chris Wallace unload part of the PPE consignment at Kilkeel Orange Hall
Deputy Grand Master Harold Henning and Brother Chris Wallace unload part of the PPE consignment at Kilkeel Orange Hall

The institution purchased the large quantities of hand sanitizer, aprons and masks to be distributed by its 108 district lodges in the 12 county grand lodge areas.

Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland Edward Stevenson said: “It is our hope that this shipment of personal protective equipment will make a real difference to local doctors and nurses, who are at the front line of helping to fight Covid-19, and those providing care and essential services in the community.

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“So much has been reported about the pressure on PPE supplies that we felt it was appropriate that the Orange Institution should try to assist in a practical way. Once a supplier had been sourced, an order was placed, and we were delighted to see it arrive in Northern Ireland.

“This shipment of products, which includes masks, aprons and hand sanitiser will be distributed as widely as possible by our membership, many of whom have already been very active themselves in raising money, sharing much-needed supplies and helping older people in their own communities.”

The Grand Lodge distribution follows a number of similar initiatives a local lodge and district level where separate PPE supplies were acquired and distributed.

“The abundance of good work being done by lodges and the wider Orange family for the good of the entire community, illustrates that there is more to Orangeism than just our annual parades. The current crisis has highlighted the charitable, benevolent and fraternal elements of Order which although always important, are often unseen,” Mr Stevenson said.

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The Grand Master also paid tribute to the work of the health professionals and all essential workers at this time.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all key workers who are working so hard to tackle this dreadful disease,” he said.

“It enormously heartening to see the support they are being shown each Thursday evening and I commend everyone who is clapping, playing instruments or doing anything to show their appreciation to the NHS and its staff.

“While we look forward to the days when we can get out and about again, it is most important that everyone continues to adheres to the Government guidelines in relation to staying at home and, if you must go out, respect the social distancing advice.”

Mr Stevenson added: “Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all those affected by Covid-19 and the health professionals as they work to tackle this awful virus.”

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