The donation, valued at more than $2500, is part of a state-wide Masonicare initiative, funded dollar-for-dollar by participating Masonic Lodges, to donate wheelchairs to public hospitals in rural and regional NSW.

Lodge spokesman David Boulton said the Freemasons were delighted to help.

"Fundraising is a truly win-win situation,” Mr Boulton said.

“People like to get involved in activities that help others. Charitable acts like raising money for wheelchairs or cattle feed for our farmers are just a couple of the many activities with which Freemasonry and Masonicare are helping those in need and, hopefully, aid in building a better future."

Macksville District Hospital’s acting Executive Officer/Director of Nursing Janelle Goodall said the wheelchairs would make a valued contribution to the hospital’s occupational therapy patients.

“The wheelchairs are a wonderful, practical and much-needed donation to our health campus,” Ms Goodall said.

“They are essential in the rehabilitation of patients who have limited mobility due to falls, injuries or illness, and now we have five brand new chairs to help with demand.”

The wheelchairs are easily identifiable with the hospital’s name, Masonicare and Freemasons NSW/ACT emblazoned across the back. The branding will also help the hospital retain its wheelchair stocks.

“There is a demand for wheelchairs by patients at most hospitals, and Macksville is no different,” Ms Goodall said.

“The Freemasons’ generosity is greatly appreciated, not only because it provides our hospital with equipment that is needed for patients, but because it gives some of our patients who experience mobility difficulties the freedom to move around and interact with other people and their environment.”