OUR CHARITIES

At the heart of Freemasonry is the desire to promote Charity. Throughout its history, The Wessex Lodge of Fidelity has strongly supported many Charities, some Masonic and some Non-Masonic. Over this period many thousands of pounds have been generously donated by the brethren to these worthy causes.

The 2005 Festival, in aid of the New Masonic Samaritan Fund, was the latest in a series of festivals in which the Wessex Lodge of Fidelity has been proud to help raise money for. The Lodge being awarded a silver certificate on 29^th March 2005, to mark the tremendous accomplishment of exceeding the target set by the Province.

The 2005 Festival officially closed on Tuesday 10th May 2005 when celebrations to mark it’s closing were held at the Brighton Centre. The event culminated with the announcement of the total amount raised in aid of the New Masonic Samaritan Fund. The total amount raised was £6,888,151, although this figure is still rising as further amounts are still being added. The band of the Royal Marines kept diners entertained during the meal and the evening was rounded off by dancing to a band called Contrast. A good time was had by all. The total amount raised by the Wessex Lodge of Fidelity was £19,888, a truly stunning amount of which we should all be very proud.

Other significant recipients of our donations have been:

Masonic.

The Masonic Trust for Boys and Girls.

The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

The New Masonic Samaritans Fund.

All the above have received generous annual donations from Lodge funds for many years.

The Mini Draw.

In 1979, our Charity Steward, Bro. John Peterkin volunteered to organise a draw for a car. He selected his own committee comprising W/Bro. Derrick Burbidge, and many other worthy brethren. As Chairman he co-opted W Bro. Surgeon Captain Gerard Irvine R.N., Assistant P.G.M.

The draw was a huge success and the Province benefited to the sum of £21,000.

Non-Masonic Charitable donations

In addition to supporting our many Masonic charities, the Wessex Lodge of Fidelity is proud to have made many donations to non-Masonic charities over the last 27 years.

These include:

"KIDS Family Centre, Fareham", which is an organisation dedicated to helping children and young people with disabilities and special needs develop their skills and abilities and to realise their potential.

A sum of money is regularly given to the Association of Fareham Taxi Drivers towards the cost of their annual Children's Party at Christmas.

The Rowans Hospice. Receives regular donations from both the Charity Fund and also from the Social Fund.

The Lupus Association. £750.00 was donated, which included £350.00 from the Tom Langton Fund.

The Arthritis Research Campaign received a generous donation in 2002.

Additionally, the Lodge Almoner, provides a small present and a cheque from the Social Fund to the Lodge widows at Christmas time. He also arranges for cards and flowers to be sent to wives of brethren who are sick and generally does much for the welfare of all.