Charity – one of our 4 values…

The values of freemasonry are based on integrity, friendship, respect and charity. Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole. By both charitable giving and voluntary efforts and works as individuals. The united Grand Lodge supports many national and international charities.

Within the provincial grand lodge of Bedfordshire, our efforts are focussed mainly on smaller local charities within the county of Bedfordshire. The recent Covid-19 Pandemic has caused much pain and suffering to many, and Bedfordshire Freemasons in conjunction with the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) having been supporting many local charities. Examples are as follows:

  • £1,000 – Leighton Linslade Homeless Shelter
  • £1,000 – SERV Hearts & Beds Blood Bikes
  • £1,500 – Dine with us on the streets
  • £1,500 – Go Dharmic Welfare UK
  • £500 – Music 24
  • £1,000 – Preen, Biggleswade
  • £1,000 – Luton Foodbank
  • £1,000 – Leighton Linslade Helpers
  • £500 – Hospice at home Volunteers
  • £1,000 – Sign-post Luton
  • £1,000 – Bedford Food Bank
  • £1,000 – Need Food Bank (Central Beds)

See our feature in the Bedford Independent here: https://www.bedfordindependent.co.uk/five-bedfordshire-foodbanks-receive-festive-1k-boost-from-bedfordshire-freemasons/

Various foodbanks supported throughout this difficult time.

Air Ambulance – Bedfordshire is covered by East Anglian Air Ambulance and Magpas, and both receive regular funding. In March 2020 the Trustees of the Provincial Charity Fund awarded a grant of £3,935 which would provide one year supply of ventilator hoses and filters for cardiac arrest patients. A grant of £2,500 was awarded to both EAAA and Magpas just before Christmas which is being matched funded by the MCF making a total of £10,000.

TLC – Teddy’s for loving care – we have donated over 29,000 teddies to the Provinces two hospitals in Luton and Bedford. The teddy’s are presented to distressed children who often find them calming on arriving at A &E and the bears are often used to assist in the triage treatment upon arrival.