| I am Bro Gary Chalk and I’m the Charity Steward for Mowbray Lodge.
Charity plays a big part in Freemasonry, Freemasons are taught to practise charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been involved in charitable activities, and since its inception it has provided support for many widows and orphans of Freemasons as well as others within the community. |
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Freemasons are also encouraged to practise practical charity - caring and spending time, which can very often be much more useful than giving money.
Unlike some other charities, we never ask the general public for money, which is perhaps why we are less well known than we should be.
All the money comes from our members, their families and friends. However, it is worth stressing that a tremendous amount of money is raised for many non-Masonic causes where it is very much needed and greatly appreciated.
The Grand Charity
The Grand Charity was formed as an independent charity in 1980 to take over the functions of the United Grand Lodge of England's Board of Benevolence, which itself had its origins in the Committee of Charity set up in 1725.
Like its predecessor, the Grand Charity has a threefold function
1. Relieving distressed Freemasons and their dependants.
2. Making grants to other Masonic charities .
3. Making grants to non Masonic causes.
For more information, go to www.grandcharity.org
The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution
The RMBI provides a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the needs of older Freemasons: Sheltered accommodation and residential and nursing care in homes throughout England and Wales, as well as practical and financial support for those who wish to remain in their own homes.
For more information, go to www.rmbi.org.uk
The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys
In 1982 the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls and the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys were combined to form the Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys to continue nearly two hundred years of care for the children of poor families. On 1 May 2003, the Trust became the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys.
The prime object of the Trust is support for the children of distressed or deceased Freemasons, the aim being to give them the start in life they would have received had distress not befallen their families. The second objective is to provide help to children not connected to Masonic families and to support charities connected with children.
For more information go to www.rmtgb.org
The Masonic Samaritan Fund
Established in 1990 with the active support of United Grand Lodge of England, the Masonic Samaritan Fund is an independent charity, which provides support for sick and infirm Freemasons, their families and dependants who are in need. The Fund gives relief to those applicants who cannot afford the full cost of private healthcare and who are unable to obtain their treatment on the UK's National Health Service without undue delay or hardship.
For more information go to www.msfund.org.uk
Charity Steward & Junior Deacon
Frequently asked questions on Masonic charities.
1. WHY DO FREEMASONS GIVE MONEY TO CHARITES ?
THE 3 GREAT PRINCIPLES WHICH FREEMASONRY STANDS FOR ARE BROTHERLY LOVE, RELIEF AND TRUTH. SO FREEMASONS ARE TAUGHT NOT ONLY TO CARE FOR THEMSELVES BUT ALSO FOR THE COMMUNITY BY WAYS OF GIVING MONEY TO CHARITES AND ALSO VOLUNTRY EFFORTS AND WORKS OF INDIVIDUALS
2. WHAT IS THE 2010 RMBI FESTIVAL ?
IT IS A FUNDRAISING FESTIVAL ON BEHALF OF THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. MONEY IS RAISED BY WAY OF CHARITABLE EVENTS AND ALSO BY GIFT AID DONATIONS. IT TAKES PLACE OVER A 5 YEAR PERIOD.
3. WHAT IS THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSITITUTION ?
IT HELPS THE NEEDS OF THE OLDER FREEMASONS AND THEIR DEPENDANTS BY PROVIDING SHELTERED ACCOMMODATION WITH RESIDENTIAL AND NURSING CARE FOR THOSE FINDING IT DIFFICULT TO MANAGE ON THERE OWN. THEY CAN ALSO HELP WITH HOME IMPROVEMENT LOANS, HOLIDAYS AND PRACTICAL HELP AND ADVICE.
4. IS THERE ANY CHARITES WHICH FUND NON-MASONIC ORGANISATIONS. ?
YES, THE GRAND CHARITY. OVER £30 MILLION HAS BEEN DONATED TO NON- MASONIC CHARITES, INCLUDING CANCER RESEARCH, GREAT ORMOND ST HOSPITAL TO NAME JUST A FEW.
AND ALSO EMERGENCY GRANTS FOR DISASTER RELIEF, INCLUDING UK FLOOD RELIEF TO BRITISH RED CROSS FOR HELP ALL OVER THE WORLD.
5. DOES THE GRAND CHARITY HELP FREEMASONS ?
YES. IT HELPS FREEMASONS IN NEED WITH THE HELP OF GRANTS AND SUPPORT.
6. WHAT DOES THE ROYAL MASONIC TRUST FOR GIRLS AND BOYS DO ?
THE ROYAL MASONIC TRUST FOR GIRLS AND BOYS, WHICH HELPS RELIEVE POVERTY AND ADVANCE THE EDUCATION OF THE CHILDREN OF DECEASED AND DISTRESSED MASONS.
7. WHAT DOES THE MASONIC SAMARITAN FUND DO ?
THE MASONIC SAMARITAN FUND, WHICH PROVIDES FINANCIAL GRANTS FOR FREEMASONS, THEIR WIVES & PARTNERS, WIDOWS AND THEIR DEPENDANTS WHO HAVE A MEDICAL NEED AND CANNOT AFFORD PRIVATE MEDICAL CARE.
8. WHAT IS THE RELIEF CHEST SCHEME ?
THE GRAND CHARITY OPERATES THE RELIEF CHEST SCHEME WHICH HELP LODGES, CHAPTER, PROVINCE OR OTHER MASONIC ORGANISATIONS TO MAXIMISE THE VALUE OF THE FUNDS THEY COLLECT FOR CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES.
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MOWBRAY LODGE | No. 5373
