Charity
By their very nature, Freemasons have a benevolent disposition and so it is hardly surprising that compassion and charitable giving are deep-seated within the values of Freemasonry. They form the characteristics of a Freemasons heart and give a profound sense of pride and satisfaction. Indeed, a portion of our annual membership fees includes a charitable donation to the Masonic Charity Fund both Provincially and National. However, we do much more.
As an organisation, our charitable activities are wide reaching, extending across the whole globe with financial and also practical support through the voluntary giving of time. We are also quick to respond. Freemason’s reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic for example, supporting local communities, was of significant importance when so many charities were struggling to maintain their fundraising income due to lock-down.
Kingston Lodge members rallied during Covid – donating vital funds to assist the local NHS, by contributing to the White Knights Blood Bikes, a volunteer service delivering vital medical supplies and essential equipment to the hospitals in our area. It is estimated that for each £1 received in donations to the White Knights, the NHS saved at least £5.
https://www.ugle.org.uk/charity/freemasons-helping-their-communities.
On the morning of Sunday 24th March 2024. Brethren from the Kingston Lodge and Chapter attended at the boat house of Humber Rescue on Hessle foreshore for the official unveiling of the new community defibrillator. Both the Craft and Chapter donated £500 which was match funded by FCYNER. Making a grand total of £2000.
In June of last year we sadly lost W.Bro Peter Adamson and W Bro. Paul Goldthorpe and it was proposed and agreed to dedicate the new equipment to the memory of the Brethren. Our wishes were agreed with Humber Rescue and a plaque was commissioned to mark the occasion.
The plaque reads :
Presented to the community by the Freemasons Provincial Charity of Yorkshire North and East Riding and the Brethren of the Craft and Chapter Lodges of Kingston 1010. In memory of W Bro Peter Adamson and W Bro Paul Goldthorpe. We hope this AED is well received and cherished by the community.
W Bro. Marcus Whereat, WM 2023 and W Bro. Neil Armstrong, MEZ 2023, then invited Mrs Janet Adamson and Mrs Debbie Goldthorpe to officially unveil the equipment.
Ryan Bennett of Humber Rescue thanked all for the donation of the equipment and informed us that it has already been used for incidents having been put into service as soon as installed. As can be seen the AED is in a protective key coded cabinet, the codes of which are held by the emergency services and Humber Rescue. There were sufficient funds remaining to maintain the AED for some time to come.
Marcus Whereat
In November 2023 the Worshipful Master received a letter from Hessle Sporting Club thanking the Kingston Lodge for its recent donation : "We have purchased some much needed new goals for our Walking Football and Development Centre. Pir Walking Foorball section caters for adults 55 and over, our eldest member being 85. The Development Centre coaches children from three years of age up to six years of age."
By the continuous generosity of Freemasons' donations, our Teddies for Loving Care Appeal (TLC) is continued throughout the country’s hospitals. Three and a half million teddies have been distributed so far. A hospital visit can be a frightening experience for a young child, especially in an emergency situation. TLC provides much-needed comfort to children in A&E departments, helping to reduce the shock and distress of their experience through the gift of a cuddly teddy that they get to take home with them.
https://teddiesforlovingcare.org.uk/
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Bro Gary Crossland: Lodge Charity Steward
My role of a Lodge Charity Steward is extremely rewarding. I oversee every aspect of charity on behalf of the Lodge and in support of the Province, by helping to raise and collect monies for worthy causes.
Brethren are encouraged to give both time and effort to help raise charitable funds.
A shining example was undertaken recently by W Bro Simon Ramshaw who undertook a 350-mile walk (in stages) around the Provincial borders of Yorkshire North & East Ridings. Setting off from the Humber Bridge, up as far as Saltburn and Middlesbrough, then across to Leyburn, down to Selby and returning to Hull, it was an admirable trek. He found the hostelry at Robin Hood's Bay closed, however - no refreshment from labour there!
The Lodge supports both Masonic and non-Masonic charities. We collaborate with chosen local charities to encourage community engagement and assist their worthy causes.
Examples of our local charitable giving include:.
RNLI Withernsea Lifeboat
Humber Inshore Rescue
Sea Cadets Hull
The training of Medical Detection Dogs
Swaledale Mountain Rescue
Castle Hill Hospital Cancer Unit
Teddies for Loving Care
White Knights Blood Bikes.
Hessle Foreshore Community Defibrillator
Dove House
Springhead under 8’s F.C.
Gary Crossland
Sept 2023