HUNDREDS of freemasons have been asked to dig deep for Haiti – on top of their efforts for a £2m fundraising project this year.

The head of Bucks Freemasons is appealing to members in Marlow and Beaconsfield to donate cash to save lives in the wake of the earthquake disaster.

Ray Reed admitted it was a difficult time to ask for more money when it has already begun raising £2m for the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys, which helps disadvantaged children.

He said although he recognises many families are feeling the financial squeeze, due to the recession, the disaster appeal is a one off.

He said: “The Haiti situation is unprecedented – which is why I am making another plea now.

“The need in Haiti is real and worrying. People need a roof over their heads and food in their stomachs now. They deserve our help.

“I do hope that the 80 or so membership groups, at the Masonic Centres in Windsor End, Beaconsfield, and St Peter Street, Marlow, will heed this call.”

A national account has been set up so Freemasons throughout England can send money free of UK income tax to boost an initial gift of £30 000 from the organisation, which is already helping aid efforts in the Caribbean.

Mr Reed said Freemasons eventually raised nearly £1m after the Tsunami hit much of Asia six years ago.

The donation helped build two schools in the Far East, which now educate 3000 children every day, and also helped to re-build nearly 60 fishing boats, supporting 230 families.

He said: “We can be justly proud of the continuing good that our fundraising has done for ordinary people whose lives were so horribly hit by the Tsunami. Sadly, another disaster, this time in Haiti, is now a humanitarian crisis.”