Community Grants update - 22nd October

Brethren, this latest newsletter gives details of grants awarded during October to charities and organisations across the Province.  Its aim is to ensure that all Brethren and their families within Yorkshire, West Riding are aware of the work that WRMCL is doing to support those within our communities.  

Since the previous update, the Provincial Grand Master’s Fund has made grants, totalling over £6,500, to three community organisations, where it is hoped there will be the biggest impact in terms of community benefit:

Ambitions 4 Kirklees - offers adults with learning difficulties, in the local area, an opportunity to learn how to overcome those difficulties and focus on their abilities.  They also support four clients living in three separate properties having `supported living' status. The grant of £2,400 will be used to update IT equipment; laptops, tablets and projectors, to improve both teaching and learning activities; sponsored by St John’s Lodge No 827, Dewsbury.​

Pictured are some of the people benefitting from the services provided by Ambitions.

---

Yorkshire Cancer Community is an information and support network for people affected by cancer and those who support patients and carers in the Yorkshire and Humber area.

Their aim is to enable the views and experiences of cancer patients, families and friends, to be heard and used to improve the quality of cancer care in the region. They inform the network by way of newsletters, social media, a website and networking meetings, as well as visits to cancer support groups.  
Despite having a skilled team of volunteers, they lack the technical expertise to update and amend their website; a crucial part of their work and vital at this time, in offering information regarding coronavirus and cancer, shielding and hospital and local authority helplines.
The grant of £1,902 will fund a web hosting and annual support contract, ensuring the stability and security of the website; sponsored by Tateshall Lodge No 7645, Pontefract.

---

Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, Leeds provides expert palliative care and bereavement support to people living with a life-limiting conditions and supports their loved ones and families.  They provide specialist medical care for managing pain and other symptoms, together with other emotional, practical and spiritual support.

The grant, of £2,200, will be used to purchase a pressure- relieving mattress, designed to ensure patients are able to spend their last days with as much comfort, dignity and independence as possible.; sponsored by Lodge of Dawn No 6511, Leeds.

---

We previously reported a grant from the Provincial Grand Master’s Fund for Emmaus Sheffield, a charity providing support to homeless people. The cheque was recently presented by the Master of Welcome Lodge No 3779, Richard Campos, pictured below left, with (l to r); Darrell Price of Welcome; Stephen Evans, a ‘companion’ living at Emmaus and Graham Bostock, Emmaus CEO.

Richard said, “Due to the generosity of Yorkshire Freemasons, we are delighted to have been able to help such a valuable project as the Emmaus Community in Sheffield, with a £5,000 grant from the PGM’s Fund to enable them to buy a fogging machine and PPE, so they could reopen the shop for the refurbishment and sale of second-hand goods. Thus, enabling them to generate funds to keep the community financed.  Emmaus provides a home for as long as someone needs it, in a safe environment and gives people the opportunity to take stock of their lives.  As Sheffield Freemasons, we are pleased to support a Sheffield project, doing such tremendous work within our city.  We wish them well and a profitable future in these uncertain times.”

Finally, Brethren during these very difficult times the CHOICES Care and Support Officers have maintained regular contact with clients and beneficiaries by phone, to reassure them that we are still here for them and to provide support and advice. Please remember, if you need help, guidance or support from our Care and Support Officers or the CHOICES Team call the confidential help line on 03449 020220 or contact your Lodge or Area Almoner. The process is quick, simple, extremely efficient and confidential.
​
Take Care!