Masonic Lodges in Central Otago distributed grants totalling $19,000 to 12 groups at the weekend.
The chairman of the Central Otago sub-branch of the Otago Masonic Charitable Trust, Nick Langley, said 17 applications were made and $41,000 was sought.
The Otago Masonic Charitable Trust was set up in 1975 and since then it had distributed $2million to groups throughout Otago, Mr Langley said.
The fund was boosted by bequests and donations, he said.
Otago Lakes District Grand Master Gordon Girvan said the 13 lodges in the area had banded together to raise funds for rescue helicopters. So far, $40,000 had been raised.
The rescue helicopter appeal will continue until the end of August.
As part of the fundraising, a variety concert would be staged in Alexandra on August 21.
Grant recipients were: Alexandra-Clyde Neighbourhood Support, Alexandra Senior Citizens Centre, Alexandra Scout Group, Central Otago Budgeting Advice, Sticks'n'Stones, No 50 (Alexandra) Squadron Air Training Corps, Cromwell Scout Group, Maniototo Area School, Maniototo Health Services, Mt Aspiring Charitable Education Trust, Upper Clutha Plunket and Poolburn School Committee.
