Our Charity Work
On the day that one joins the worldwide family of Freemasonry, every new Mason is told exactly the same thing:
“Whatever, therefore, you feel disposed to give, you will deposit with the Junior Deacon; it will be thankfully received and faithfully applied.”
By their very nature, Freemasons have a charitable disposition and so it is hardly surprising that kindness and charitable giving are deeply ingrained within the principles of Freemasonry.
Our charitable activities are wide reaching, extending across the globe, with financial and practical support. They are also responsive, such as our reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic where we supported local communities, which was of significant importance when so many charities were struggling to maintain their fundraising income.
There were remarkable stories from across the country of how our members came together – from helping to raise vital funds for the NHS and delivering food to the community, through to purchasing ambulances and manufacturing vital personal protective equipment (PPE).
The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) provides a robust support structure that helps members make positive contributions to communities and worthwhile causes through fundraising events or volunteer work.
The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) co-ordinates the main bulk of our financial contributions and enables us to respond quickly in times of emergency. The latest figures show that in the course of a year the MCF provides nearly £20m to support Freemasons, their families and local communities through nearly 7,000 grants.
Strong Man Lodge not only supports the MCF’s national and international efforts, we also support initiatives together with our fellow Lodges based in London.
One of the most significant in recent times has been our support for the London Air Ambulance Charity. London Lodges were the largest contributor, donating over £3 million towards the purchase and deployment of two desperately needed Airbus H-135s helicopters.
Strong Man Lodge and Strong Man Chapter achieved the highest levels of award (Platinum) contributing over £10,000 and £2,000 respectively.
Furthermore, our Lodge provides local financial support. A small local hospice, Princess Alice, supported one of our brethren and his wife during his last weeks. Strong Man donated a few thousand pounds, which proves significant for a small organisation.
Numerous other small, often unheard of charities, also benefit from the generosity of the Lodge’s Brethren. In recent years we have given to large charities, like The British Heart Foundation, as well as individual causes. A few years ago we became aware that a young lady was trying to get to India to help with wonderful charitable works, however, she needed to raise her own airfare – we bought the ticket for her.
On top of the major initiatives aforementioned, Strong Man Lodge has given financial support to the following charities and groups:
● The Special Boat Service
● The Royal Ballet School
● St. Andrew’s Hospice
● St. Christopher’s Hospice
● The Alzheimer’s Association
● Motor Neurone Disease
● Widows of former Lodge Members
● Masonic care homes
● British Paralympics
● Covid-19 Response
● Cancer Research UK
● Army Cadet Force
● Girls not Brides
● Breaking Barriers
● MAD Aid (Moldova)
● Bexley Carers
● British Heart Foundation
● Ukrainian support
‘Strongmen’ have given £38,457.63 in charitable support over the last seven years and we intend to give a lot more in the future. We are very proud of our charitable giving heritage.
Barry Russell
Charity Steward
Strongman Lodge No.45
