Freemasons Donate £5,000 to ABF The Soldiers Charity

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Devonshire have match funding a cheque presented for £2,500 from the Freemasons Grand Charity making a total of £5,000 being presented to the ABF The Soldiers Charity, who themselves support soldiers and former soldiers of the British Army and their families and have been doing so since 1944.

ABF The Soldiers Charity help people between the ages of 1 year old & 109 years. Nationally they have provided over 5,000 grants and funded another 72 charities providing vital services to soldiers in need, giving former soldiers the dignity they deserve and a “hand up” through a crisis when needed, for life when required.

The Devon ABF Fundraising Committee and volunteers are equally active raising over the last year £63,000 and giving grants of over £70,000 to assist 109 individuals who needed their help.

When presenting the two £2,500 cheques one to Lord Clifford of Chudleigh and the other to Lord Fellowes of West Stafford who received them on behalf of the charity, Right Worshipful Brother Ian Kingsbury JP, Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire Freemasons said “To be able to support the soldiers who have served the citizens of this country so selflessly and given up their futures to protect us and generations to come is very humbling and we are proud to be able to help.

When receiving the cheques Lord Clifford and Lord Fellowes made a joint statement saying, “We are deeply grateful for this generous donation which will go towards the work that is done here in Devon.  

"For those who are helped, it is not always the size of the grant that matters most, but the speed with which it is made – a modest amount can in good time can make a big difference and this is far from being a modest amount.”

Lords Clifford and Fellowes them passed the cheques to David Fursdon the Lord Lieutenant of Devon to ensure the speedy payment into the relief chest of the Army Benevolent Foundation confirming the continued need for funds, also thanking the Freemasons of Devonshire for their continued generosity.