Freemasons from across Leeds have once again answered a call to ensure that hundreds of children from across the city will receive at least one present this festive season. The members of Lodges who meet in Headingly’s Castle Grove Masonic Hall have, as with previous years, donated a present or money to buy gifts, which were then donated to a number of local charities.
Organisations receiving gifts this year include Leeds Children’s Charity, Homeless Street Angels, Leeds Baby Bank, East SILC Jack Clark, St George’s Crypt and the Leeds Jewish Welfare Board.
Toy Appeal co-ordinator Graham Shiers said: “I would like to personally thank everyone who has donated to this year’s appeal. All the gifts and donations have come directly from our members – Charity is one of the three great pillars that Freemasonry is founded on, and charity is very close to our hearts. “Since launching this year’s appeal in October the response has again been incredible which has allowed us to donate both toys and gifts include pyjamas, hats, gloves and other essential items such as blankets, nappies and children’s toiletries. We are extremely proud to support the communities we live and work in and these toys and gifts will go to charities that do so much for local children and their families.”
The Lodge of Dawn’s Worshipful Master along with Loyalty Lodge’s Worshipful Master and Toy Appeal co-ordinator Graham Shiers visited Leeds Jewish Welfare Board to deliver the toys. they are pictured alongside Shelley Frieze, LJWB Fundraising Coordinator and Family Outreach Support Worker, Amanda Burdon.
Amanda said, “We are delighted to receive the generous donation of toys and gifts from Phil, Raymond and Graham on behalf of the Castle Grove Lodges. This has been an extremely difficult year for our families with many struggling with the after-effects of the pandemic and the current cost of living crisis. I am sure every one of our families will greatly appreciate the kind thoughts and donation of gifts from the Castle Grove Masonic Lodges for their children at Chanukah.”
Charitable giving is a key part of masonic life. You can read more about The Lodge of Dawn’s charitable activity here.
If you are a Leeds-based charity and are interested in applying for a grant, please see our simple guide here.
Joining The Lodge of Dawn
If you are not a Freemason and, having read the above, would like to find out more, read our Seven Reason to Join The Freemasons, our guide on ‘How to join The Freemasons‘ or our simple ‘What is Freemasonry?’ page.
And if you would like to join The Lodge of Dawn in Leeds, please feel free to get in touch via our ‘Contact Us’ page.