The Provincial Grand Lodge of Cheshire

Cheshire Freemasons commit to support local and national good causes

Head of the Cheshire Freemasons, Stephen Blank, has confirmed his commitment on behalf of all Cheshire Freemasons, to continue to support Local and National good causes during these testing times and beyond.

Stephen was reflecting on a celebratory evening held at the start of the year where he welcomed a number of local dignitaries, charity representatives and voluntary workers to share stories of how the organisations benefited from £1Million donated by Cheshire Freemasons over the past 12 months or so. “That was then and this is now” said Stephen, “It’s hard to believe that since that event, so much has changed, but I would like to be clear, one thing that hasn’t is our determination and resolve to support organisations that need financial help during these difficult times. 

Stephen presenting a cheque to Sarah Page,
Local Fundraising Manager for Macmillan

Freemasons are well known for their support of those in need, last year alone giving around £48 million to charities and good causes, putting Freemasonry into the top 10 of grant making organisations in the UK. We will continue to play our part in Cheshire and I know my colleagues around the country will do the same”. Stephen added “Freemasons are not a charity themselves and do not collect money from the public, but every Lodge makes collections from its members for charitable use and this soon adds up, there being approx. 4,000 Cheshire Freemasons. Some of the funds go directly to charities and good causes, some to local charitable organisations and some to the Freemasons national charity, which then gives money to both national and international good causes. Our members, like so many others, are working hard across their communities and as an organisation, we are doing the same.

”Looking back at happier times, Senior Freemason Harry Wright, who works closely with Stephen and others to ensure funds are distributed across the County and further afield said “The celebration evening was a great success and was well attended by many recipients including National Charities, numerous Hospice, Merseyside & Cheshire Blood Bikes and in Cheshire, the following organisations were just some of those highlighted as having received funding / support ….

Riding for the Disabled                                                Northwich

Age UK (Men in Sheds)                                                Harford

Petty Pool Girl Guides                                                  Sandiway

Dementia café                                                               Winsford

Maggies at Christies                                                    Christies Hospital

St John Ambulance (Cheshire)                                   Stockport

Acorn Recovery                                                             Stockport

Halton Haven Hospice                                                 Runcorn

The Open Door Centre                                                  Birkenhead

Maggies Merseyside                                                     Clatterbridge Hospital

Irby Village Hall                                                              Wirrall

Cheshire Young Carers                                                  Wirrall

Young Minds Matter

Merseyside & Cheshire Blood Bikes

Helping the Homeless into Housing

Childrens Adventure Farm Trust                               Altringham

Papyrus                                                                         Based in Warrington

Countess of Chester Hospital                                   Chester

Hospice of Good Shepherd                                        Chester

Cathedral                                                                       Chester

Tilston Village Hall                                                       Tilston Nr Malpas

Rubys Fund                                                                   Congleton

Opal Services                                                                Crewe

Friends For Leisure                                                       Crewe

East Cheshire Hospice

Cheshire Scouts

Police Community Clubs

Prostate Testing

North West Air Ambulance

All were very grateful and keen to show their appreciation, and in turn, we had the opportunity to thank many of those organisations who work so hard and do amazing work day in and day out. Of course what’s important now is that we all work together and continue to support those doing such excellent work”..

During the evening, Stephen presented a cheque to Sarah Page, Local Fundraising Manager for Macmillan who said “a huge thank you to The Freemasons for their support”, adding “this means Macmillan can now be there for even more patients affected by cancer”.

Stephen concluded Like so many organisations, our meetings are currently suspended, but I am proud to advise that our charitable donations continue”.

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