Dream-A-Way helped by local Freemasons
As part of an annual programme of charitable giving, Devonshire Freemasons have again distributed over £20,000 to 25 local charities and worthy causes. The donations were presented by the Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire, Right Worshipful Brother Ian Kingsbury, at the Exmouth Masonic Hall, Exmouth on Friday evening 10 May.
Dream-A-Way was included in this distribution and received a donation of £1,250 towards providing holidays and days out for people with disabilities. Jeff Merrett MBE, Chairman of Dream-A-Way said “We are delighted that Devonshire Freemasons have chosen to award us such a significant sum which will really help our work. Our sincere thanks to all involved”.
The Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Ian Kingsbury commented, “I am delighted that the Freemasons in Devon are able to contribute to local causes. Many of these organisations are run on a shoestring by volunteers and these donations provide real benefit and are much appreciated”.
Most of the recipient organisations have been nominated by a local Masonic Lodge, usually where a member has a connection with the organisation. In this case the sponsoring mason was W.Bro Ken Springthorpe of The Sun Lodge No 106.
The donations come from the William Alexander Kneel Endowment (WAKE) Fund which is currently worth approximately £1.5M. It is a charitable fund which has been accumulated by legacies and donations from Devonshire Freemasons and their families. Each year approximately £40,000 is distributed amongst local charities and organisations in Devon. The programme commenced in 2001 and since that date over £450,000 has been donated to nearly 450 beneficiaries.
The attached photograph shows Dream-A-Way Chairman Jeff Merrett MBE receiving the cheque from R W Bro Ian Kingsbury, Provincial Grand Master with W Bro Ken Springthorpe who proposed the Charity.
