Charitable Giving in Freemasonry
Freemasonry is one of the largest charitable givers in the country, contributing more than £51.1m to deserving causes in 2020 alone.
Freemasons not only donate money.
Our members make valuable contributions, whether participating in events, fundraising for a charitable cause or volunteering for public or community organisations.
Service is at the very heart of Freemasonry, donating time, resources and skills.
More than 18.5 million hours of volunteer work are undertaken by Freemasons every year.
We support many charities and our charitable work can be split into a number of areas:
* Collecting for the benefit of Freemasons and the families when they are in distress.
* Collecting for the main Freemasons charities and non-masonic charities.
* Collecting for the benefit of charities in our local communities.
* Since 1981, Freemasons have awarded more than £3.4 million to support
people affected by natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, earthquakes, storms, and famines.
Uniquely, all our charitable fund raising comes from within the Masonic community,
as opposed to seeking public donations.
Some of our local donations
At the Sherborne Lodge of Benevolence Ladies Night dinner on 14th September 2024; the Master, Paul Bradford, announced that the Lodge is renewing its support for Sherborne Food Bank for a second year. The Chair of the Food Bank, David Kemp, explained, the generosity and continued support of Sherborne Masonic Lodge is greatly appreciated. It will directly help in our campaign to alleviate local food poverty, as well ensuring young people in the Sherborne area are well provided for.
The Food Back delivered to over 5,400 people in 2023, covering a 78 square mile area around Sherborne, the Food Bank distributed over 30 metric tonnes of food and essentials last year. It is projected that the 2024 figures will be similar, made possible by a growing number of volunteers, now reaching 90!
Fundraising by the Quarrymen Christmas Toy Motorcycle Run for Dementia Patients took place on Sunday the 26th of November 2023 with the Quarrymen riding from points around the province collecting from numerous lodges. Congregating at Dorchester they then rode together to Bournemouth General Hospital for the cheque presentation.
Tony from one of the Poole lodges, collected a cheque for £50 from our
Charity Steward Mike Rampling which was very well received. In all £1310 was raised for the Dementia Wards.
May 2023 - Our Lodge recently received a request from the Sherborne Abbey Primary School for assistance in purchasing urgently needed teaching aids. The response was swift and Lodge members were delighted to donate £500 for music stands and specialist aids to help the children learn to read.
Photo shows L to R - Music Department, Arturo Serna -
Asst. Headmaster, Simon Garnett – Lodge Master, Mike Rampling.
2020 sees The Lodge of Benevolence's new Master, Mike Rampling, present a cheque for £200 to the 874 (Sherborne) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets to help towards the repair of their squadron banner. This continues to build the support with local community organisations within the Dorset Province.
February 2021
The members of the Lodge are delighted to have helped local causes with the following donations
£1000 to Sherborne Rendezvous. This money being largely used to buy computer equipment, to will help with their programme of home tuition of their dependents.
£500 to Sherborne Community Kitchen. Started in response to COVID-19, the charity deliver fresh meals to help vulnerable and shielding individuals each day.
£100 to Sherborne Town Band. The Band plays a significant role in the life of the community, helping local organisations and charities with fund raising events.
2019 Benevolence Freemasons make Donations totalling £2400 to the Rendezvous Team & Green Shed Workshop.
Cheques for £1200 each were presented to the two local charities by Dennis Porter, the outgoing Master. All monies for charity come entirely from members contributions, raised at their monthly meetings throughout the year.
2019 Another good show supporting a local charity.
Peter Cairns and our Master Dennis Porter present a cheque for £200 to Leonie Parrott, a member of the Yeovil Snowdrop Group which is affiliated to SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society).
2019 Glen Graham delivered two cheques totalling £1053 to the St Margaret’s Hospice and a further cheque for £200 to the Weldmar Hospicecare.
Peter Cairns gave £400 to St Johns’ Alms House
£200 was donated to Friends of the Yeatman Hospital. Another £200 was also donated to the Sands Charity.
Thanks to all our members for their generosity and support.
2018 On Monday 12th December our Master, Charity Steward and Director of Ceremonies visited St John's House in Sherborne. Here Peter Cairns and Colin Vine are seen presenting a cheque for £280 to St John's Manager -
Mr Mike Davies.
Originally built as St Johns’ Almshouse, the modern day St Johns’ House benefits from the unique surroundings of the original Almshouse buildings and residents now enjoy comfortable accommodation in a relaxed and friendly environment.
2018 Our Master Peter Cairns presents a cheque in conjunction with Sherborne boys school to the Matron of Yeatman hospital.
June 2018 Peter Cairns our Master visited Yeovil Hospital where he met with Leonie Parrott , a member of the Yeovil Snowdrop Group and Linda Hann the Chaplain of Yeovil Hospital. He is seen here presenting a cheque for £289.96 to SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society).
Other donatons include :-
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