Devon Freemasons give £25,000 support to 22 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, these include 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 almost £2.0 million, from which the trustees distribute the income generated, currently £50,000 each year.
Since the first disbursement in 2001 almost £735,000 has been given to over 790 worthy non masonic organisations and charities throughout Devon, selected by members of the 133 Masonic lodges based throughout the county.
On Friday 1st June Right Worshipful Brother Ian Kingsbury JP. Provincial Grand Master for the Freemasons of Devonshire presented cheques to 22 deserving causes, held at The Mount Edgcumbe Masonic Hall, Citadel Road East, Plymouth, where the charity representatives accompanied by a member from their nominating lodge were able to enjoy a superb reception & buffet, have a tour around 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 this year are, St. Lukes Hospice Plymouth, Plymouth Ladies Charity Club, Plymouth Music Zone, Dementia Voice PL12 Veterans Group Plymouth, 31st Plymouth Scouts, Plymouth Cancer Fund, Crime Stoppers Devon, Austin Farm Primary School Plymouth, Parkinson’s Plymouth & District, Plympton Scout Group Plymouth, The Pelican Project Exeter, Sidbury Church Of England Primary School, Devon County Agricultural Assoc Exeter, Mill Water School. East Budleigh, The Open Door. Exmouth, Lifeworks Charity Dartington, Living with aphasia. Exeter, Macs Charity. Exmouth, Exeter Panthers AFC, Chulmleigh & Mid Devon Cricket Club, Gidleigh Village Hall, Community Resources Devon.Ilfrcombe.
