Community Grants update

Brethren this latest newsletter gives details of grants awarded during August 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.  

Hopefully, you will have seen all the publicity given to our recent grants on the ‘West Yorkshire Freemasons’ Page on Facebook. If not, why not have a look and do as over 2,300 people have done already; like the Page.

Since the previous update, The Provincial Grand Master’s Fund has made major grants, totalling £61,700, to three community organisations, where it is hoped there will be the biggest impact in terms of community benefit:
 
The Friends of Beaumont Park - a voluntary group actively working with Kirklees Metropolitan Council to regenerate the park in Huddersfield and restore it to its former glory. The grant will be used to provide specialist play equipment for children with disabilities. (£24,700); sponsored by Colne Valley Lodge No 1645.

Otley Old People's Welfare Committee - to refurbish and update the welfare centre on Crossgate, making it user-friendly, particularly for the disabled; to include a new kitchen, new toilets and office. (£20,000); sponsored by Royal Wharfedale Lodge No 1108. 

Ladybower Fisheries – a charity providing therapeutic benefits of fishing and enjoyment on open water to underprivileged and disabled people. The grant will go towards buying a large wheelyboat, able to accommodate 8 disabled people in wheelchairs. (£17,000) sponsored by Hallamshire Lodge No 2268.

The Masonic Meals Appeal continues to support worthy causes during the ongoing pandemic.

Rossington Good Neighbours has been awarded £2,000. Housed within Rossington Memorial Hall, Doncaster, the scheme provides hot meals twice a week to vulnerable individuals and families. Due to the pandemic, all meals must now be home deliveries. The grant will greatly assist with the cost of extra fuel and PPE for volunteer delivery drivers; sponsored by West Riding Fairways Lodge No 9664.

Harrogate District Foodbank has also received a grant of £2,000. A long-established charity aiming to prevent or relieve poverty in the Harrogate District, by providing emergency food supplies to needy individuals and other charities and organisations in the area. Local volunteers, between April and June, supported 843 local people, providing food parcels containing nutritionally balanced, non-perishable-food.  The grant will assist in the purchase of food and toiletries; sponsored by Harlow Lodge No 4404.

Finally Brethren, 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.