Leeds Freemasons give gifts for children this Christmas

Stephan Kurth • December 20, 2021

St Wilfrid Lodge and Freemasons from across Leeds have again been helping to ensure hundreds of children will receive at least one present this year.

As in previous years, members of Lodges and side orders who meet in Headingley’s Castle Grove Masonic Hall have been asked to donate a present or money to buy gifts, which are then donated to a number of local charities. However, because of the ongoing coronavirus situation Toy Appeal co-ordinator Graham Shiers asked for financial contributions instead, resulting in an avalanche of cash, toy and clothing donations exceeding £3000 in value.

Donations from the Appeal were this year boosted by a very generous donation of a large number of toys from Firas to St Georges Crypt. Crypt Chaplain Roger Quick was delighted with the generous donations.

As you are aware, the Castle Grove Festive Toy & Gift Appeal was launched in November 2018 as a way of bringing all the Castle Grove Lodges together to provide something tangible to young people in our community during the festive season.

The 2021 Appeal was launched in October and the response from both Brethren and Lodges and Chapters has been absolutely overwhelming.  In addition to donations of toys and gifts, we raised in excess of £2,000 to purchase further gifts which has enabled us to help six organisations this year, recognising the incredible work they do for children and young people.

The gifts were distributed to:

Leeds Children’s Charity

This incredible organisation looks after young children from the most deprived areas of Leeds – on your behalf we donated toys, selection boxes, pyjamas, hats and gloves, toiletries and children’s blankets

Homeless Street Angels

Through your generosity we have supported five families this year who would otherwise have had no gifts this Christmas

Leeds Baby Bank

We provided a range of toys and gifts including nappies, baby wipes, baby shampoo, body wash, nappy cream and other essential baby items

St George’s Crypt

The Charity is helping some 2000 families across Leeds living in dire poverty – your generosity allowed us to provide toys, and gifts including toiletries, pyjamas, hats and scarves

Leeds Jewish Welfare Board

Chanukah gifts for children under the care of the Welfare Board

East Leeds SILC Jack Clark

We provided 65 soft Glow Sticks for Children with special needs

Another St Wilfrid BBQ Success!

By Stefan • October 12, 2023
After the disappointment when poor weather caused the event to be postponed in July, the second attempt to BBQ in September proved very successful with around thirty members, family and friends attending. The BBQ was generously hosted by Adrian & Annie with Adrian also acting as Chief Chef. The delicious food was complemented by specially brewed beers, courtesy of our resident Master Brewer Andy and his assistant Linda, together with wines and soft drinks. Many thanks go out too to everyone for the generous donations of salads and desserts. Fine dining, good drinking and excellent company! Happily on this occasion, the English summer weather was kind! Again, many thanks to everyone who was able to support or contribute to this event with particular thanks to Adrian, Annie, Andy & Linda for all their hard work. Their and everyone’s generosity has raised a further £715 for the Master’s Charity. Fantastic! From an enjoyment, social and fundraising perspective – the BBQ really was once again a great success

Alfie's Swim Challenge

By Stefan • October 10, 2023
Alfie's Story

Challenge met by St Wilfrid!

By Stefan • August 3, 2023
St Wilfrid Lodge were delighted to take up the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge again after their last outing in 2019 and despite the very mixed weather conditions the four walkers did themselves and the Lodge proud! It was an early start for Gerry, Joe, Paddy and Richard who left the Horton in Ribblesdale start point just after 7am. The Yorkshire Three Peaks includes Pen-y-Ghent , Whernside and Ingleborough . The walkers started their 25-mile route climbing first up Pen-y-Ghent then towards the Ribblehead Viaduct, up Whernside then down to Chapel le Dale, and finally up and down Ingleborough to finish back in Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Over 60,000 steps, twelve hours of grit & determination - a superb effort by everyone! Our heroes were raising funds for St George’s Crypt with which the Lodge has had a long association. Its not too late to contribute! Please support them generously using the link : www.justgiving.com/page/bhl-mason-1689178647402 All donations to support St George’s Crypt. Support was given en-route by the WM, Andy, his wife Linda, Jack & Stefan who ensured that they were fed and watered on their challenging task. Well Done Everyone!
More Posts
Share by: