Freemasonry and Charity
From its earliest days Freemasonry has been involved in
charitable activities, and since its inception it has provided support for many
widows and dependants of Freemasons, as well as members of the Craft who need
financial support.
Funds have also always been made available for other
charitable purposes, especially when assistance is urgently required, such as
the recent Indian earthquake.
Please direct all enquiries to the
Provincial Grand Charity Secretary.
Over the past five years alone UK Freemasonry has
raised and distributed more than £75M for a wide range of charitable causes,
including those involved in medical research, community care, education and work
with young people.
These charitable works are carried out under the banner
of the Grand Charity and certain other specific Masonic charitable
organisations.
Provincial Grand Charity of Derbyshire
Additionally Freemasons in Derbyshire contribute to
both Masonic and non-Masonic charitable causes through the Provincial Grand
Charity. Its President is the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Brother D.C. Law,
and his Deputy is V.W Brother J. M. Beard.
The collection and disbursement of charitable
contributions is carried out by appointed representatives who form the Standing
Committee, chaired by W. Brother Brian Quartermain.
The Standing Committee is supported by three
Sub-Committees:
The Appeals Sub-Committee raises funds for dispersal by
the Petitions Sub-Committee, chaired by W. Brother Eric Brookes, who is also the
Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee. The Investment Sub-Committee receives
professional advice on the investment of funds held by the Provincial Grand
Charity, and carries out their investment accordingly.
There is also a Derbyshire Masonic Music Foundation
which provides funds for the provision of musical education within Derbyshire.
The Petitions Sub-Committee is always eager to receive
applications for financial support and relief for organisations and individuals
from Lodges throughout the Province. It makes recommendations to the Standing
Committee, which usually meets about four times a year, dependent upon the
amount of business to be transacted.
The Secretary of the Provincial Grand Charity is
W. Brother Graham Sisson.
