CHARITY

Charity is one of the main tenets of our organization. In Masonic terms it is sometimes referred to as Relief and forms one of our three great principles, which are Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

In addition to supporting our own disadvantaged members and their families, Freemasonry makes a very significant contribution to needs in our communities, particularly among the disadvantaged, the elderly and infirm. We also support and encourage young people in achieving a sense of pride, achievement and responsibility. We have recently given particular attention to the uniformed youth associations.

At a national level our charitable work is undertaken by the Freemasons Grand Charity. In 2008 this charity gave over £3.2 million pounds to non-masonic causes. Since 1981 this charity has donated over £30 million, including £7.5 million to Hospices in England and Wales, including grants to our local hospice and £400,000 to the Air Ambulance Service . Internationally it has given over £1.5 million to world wide disaster relief.

At a Provincial level, and we are in the Province of West Lancashire, our charity donations are controlled by the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity and this year this charity will donate some £750,000 to Masonic and non-masonic causes in our Province.

	At local level the Furness and South Lakeland Group over the last two years has given over £50,000 to masonic and non-masonic causes including grants to National Organisations such as the RNLI , Air Ambulance, right down to local dance troops, and individuals with specific needs

Nobody can ever say for certain that they will never require a helping hand from some form of Charity. As Freemasons we try to do what we can, when we can to help anyone who may be less fortunate than ourselves, or who may just need a helping hand.

Links to Masonic Charities - just click the pictures!

	Charity