The values of Freemasonry are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. 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. And it is by the commitment of its member that the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) manage to be the second charitable contributor in the country.
MCF every year contribute to many projects. Some are also aimed to sustain brother and their families when that fell into financial difficulties. It support the community, most projects tend to be near or in area where there is a Masonic Centre.
The charitable spirit is not only linked on donations but also in contributing time. Many brethren devote their time into volunteering within the local community.
This is all part of the principles that self improving also includes helping and improving the conditions of all around you.
Recent Projects of the MCF have been covered in the news for their magnitude.
For London MCF contributed to buy the first London Heli-Ambulance and in recent years a second and a third vehicle has been acquired and donated.
There are also many on road Ambulances and emergency service vehicles that has been donated in different part of the country, London for sure but also the province.
The latest project of MCF is to buy a “Super aerial Ladder to be donated to the London Fire Brigade. The tragic event of Grenfell tower showed the city that there was not a vehicle high enough to reach higher floors in case of a fire. The vehicle that will be delivered in mid-2020 has been custom build at a cost of £1.25m and once delivered there will only be 4 of this machines operating in Europe. MCF have ordered and will deliver two of those to the community.
However Freemason also contribute to the many lives of brethren in need. The foundation constantly fund and in certain case run many different projects. There are housing project, nursing home, scholarship funds for the sons and daughter of those brethren in financial difficulties. There are also contribution to personal health and many more.
But not only, there are numerous donation to foundation devoted to health research. We like to take care of our own and the community that we are all part of.
All of the above projects are not financed by hefty subscriptions or only by the wealthy member. Everyone of us, in spite of their own financial possibilities they all are contributing from as little as possible. We, at St Ambrose, encourage all the member to take part into this. Some is able to commit on monthly payment from as little as £5. But as we all are committed and united we manage to raise considerable amount of money.
Generally, the Master elected have some charity close to their hearth and year on the Lodge take their part into helping the community around. However donations and contributions are not only organised by the Master. The Lodge has Charity Steward that manage the charity affairs and he is taking suggestions from every brother and the lodge is always open to contribute to causes that are relevant to any of the member.
As member of this Lodge you will be embracing the principle that the whole of Freemason is backing every day. St Ambrose is a proud “Foundation Member” badge holder by donating to the Super High rise ladder project for the Fire Brigade.
In the last 12 months St Ambrose managed to collect and deliver over £3500 to good causes. Here below some of the causes that we have been supporting in the last year
QR Code to donate directly to St Ambrose 1891 Relief Chest