Devon Freemasons give £25,000 support to local charities and organisations
Every Spring and Autumn Freemasons from all around Devon meet to support local organisations and charities who are require financial assistance, amongst those included are Schools, Youth Centres and locally based charities including Hospices, Hospital Services and Cancer Charities.
The money is raised through the “WAKE FUND” a trust conceived by Right Worshipful Brother William Alexander Kneel, the Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire from 1970 to 1984, the late owner of Kneels laundry & dry cleaners (Now Johnsons). Since the idea was initiated the fund has grown through the continued generosity of Devonshire Freemasons and wise investments which today stands at £2.0 million, from which the trustees distribute the income generated, currently £50,000 each year.
Since the first disbursement in 2001 almost £770,000 has been given to over 868 worthy non masonic organisations and charities throughout Devon, selected by members of the 131 Masonic lodges based throughout the county.
Earlier this month Rt. W. Bro. Ian Kingsbury JP. Provincial Grand Master for the Devonshire Freemasons presented cheques to 20 deserving causes at the meeting held at The Masonic Hall, St. Andrews Road Exmouth. The charity representatives accompanied by a member from their nominating lodge were able to enjoy a superb reception & buffet, enjoy a tour of the lodge building, ask any questions they wished and receive their cheques totalling the magnificent sum of £25,000.
Making the contributions Ian Kingsbury said “I am delighted that the Freemasons of Devon are able to continue to contribute to these important local causes many of which are totally run by volunteers and hopefully these donations will make a real difference to the lives of many people.
Among the organisations that will benefit are, Street Vets, Plymouth, Shekinah Mission Plymouth, Ivybridge Community Transport Assoc, Plymouth Raiders Wheelchair Basketball Club, Exeter Gateway Centre,No.17 Exeter Foyer, Exeter Saracens Under 11 Rugby Team, Veterans with Dogs Exeter, Sid Vale Memory Cafe, Exmouth Gateway Club, Axmouth Playground Assoc. Crediton Play Scheme for Children with Special Needs, Sense Devon Group for the Deafblind, Exeter & Newton Abbot, Torbay Guide Dogs, The Calvert Trust Barnstaple, Holsworthy Scouts, Slightly Different Singing Group North Devon, St. Mary Magdalen Church South Molton, Exmoor Explorers, Barnstaple Rugby Club Juniors.
