Charity is one of Freemasonry’s Three Great Principles, and from its earliest days Charity in the Community has been a major element of Freemasonry. Although some fund raising events do occur, much of the monies raised for charity are often from Freemasons themselves, and their families and friends.
Masonic Charity operates on both a National and Local level and grants and donations are made to both Masonic and non-Masonic causes. Masonic Charity even extends to International humanitarian and disaster relief, and in such events is often the first charity to respond with a financial donation.
With thousands of Lodges, meeting regularly across England, and raising funds by collecting alms and holding raffles etc, then small regular sums soon mount up substantially and every penny collected goes directly to charity.
In the meeting a cloth bag is taken around and members can put in what they want to, it could be £1.00 or £10.00 or more. At the end of the day it is up to you to give what you are comfortable with and no one will know what you have given.
It is important to remember the principle that you only give what you can afford, and never to the detriment of your family or responsibilities to others.
Many Lodges have specific charities to which they make regular donations.
Knightsbridge Reserve Forces lodge also helps with donations to Military Charities such as ‘’Blesma’’. This charity was founded in the aftermath of the First World War, and since 1932 the charity has been the only national Armed Forces Charity that specifically supports limbless veterans for the duration of their lives. Their mission is to assist limbless veterans lead an independent and fulfilling life.
W.Bro Gary Tomlin SLGR and Mrs Siobhan Tomlin presenting a cheque from
The Knightsbridge Reserve Forces lodge to the Blesma charity. December 2022
The Lodge also supports other charities from time to time, as proposed and agreed by the Lodge members at a regular meeting.
RMBI Charity cheque presentation