Community Grants 1st June update

Brethren since we went into ‘lockdown’ this is the third WRMCL information sheet that has been posted on the three Provincial websites.  Its aim is to ensure that all Brethren within the Province are aware of the work that YOUR CHARITY is doing to support our masonic family and those in our communities during the pandemic.  

Since our last update [4 May 2020] the PGM’s Fund has made grants to the following charities;-


£2000    The Leeds Baby Bank - ‘the bank’ works to relieve poverty among families with young children who are in need or distress.  The main activities are to provide support for pregnant women and children aged 0 to 4.  This is mainly through emergency bundles of baby goods;- formula milk, food, nappies, essential toiletries and baby gates.  Since the start of Covid 19 referrals have increased from 20 per week to around 60. 

£1000    Ripon Community House - the grant enables them to provide supplies for local vulnerable and needy people.  The community building was previously self funding generating an income by room hire to local groups.  All income has now ceased and they are endeavouring to assist those in need in the local community with food and essential supplies.

£1500     Project Foodhall is a volunteer community hub in the centre of Sheffield.  Their priority is to ensure everyone in need has access to food.  The grant will be used to purchase items of PPE for volunteers and essential food items and supplies for those most at risk.

£2000-St Vincent’s Support Centre is a community hub in Leeds providing support, advice and foodbank services to the marginalised, isolated and vulnerable in the community.  During the present crisis they are providing emergency hot food, home deliveries and food parcels.

£2000 - Wath upon Dearne Community Partnership is a registered charity operating in Montague Hall and was self funding providing facilities to numerous community groups.  Since the pandemic all income streams have ceased and support is needed to continue providing food for the elderly, disadvantaged and vulnerable in the community.  A team of volunteers provide and deliver food parcels and services 7 days a week.  
A request by WRMCL for match funding from the MCF has resulted in an additional £2000 grant.

£1,054 - Harrogate Hospital Radio has provided entertainment to patients for over 40 years.  Due to the pandemic presenters are unable to attend the studios.  The grant enables two additional presenters to work from home. 

£5,000 - Platform 1 Huddersfield – is a charity supporting mainly men from all backgrounds to reconnect with their families.  Platform 1 offers pastoral support to its members, assisting with bereavement, housing, personal finance issues and drug/alcohol addiction.  Due to the current Covid crisis, the charity is now having referrals, from official local services (Kirklees Social Services, Community Hubs etc.) for both men and women.  Currently the charity only has funds to continue for the next 3 months.
In view of the desperate situation WRMCL has made an additional discretionary grant of £5,000. 

£1,000 – for Kirkwood Hospice - this grant is to match-fund a ‘home fund raising’ cycle ride made during the lockdown by one of our brethren.  His aim was to raise funds specifically for PPE for the hospice. 

£1000 to St Mary’s Community Hub - the hub set up an emergency foodbank in response to the closure of the Pontefract Foodbank.  Since the pandemic started this emergency foodbank has provided food to deprived and vulnerable families in the Pontefract area. 
A request by WRMCL for match funding from the MCF has resulted in an additional £1000 grant.

PGM’s Fund grants from April 1st now total £75,000 [this does not include any match funding from the M C F]

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CHOICES continues to provide assistance and support to our Masonic family during the Covid-19 pandemic.
If you need help, guidance or support from our Care and Support Officers or the CHOICES Team 
RING the confidential help line on 03449 020220 or contact your Area or Lodge Almoner
The process is quick, simple and extremely efficient. 

Since March 1st CHOICES has provided 28 Grants to a value of £25,250 - 21 of which are Covid-19 related.