Above
Escaping the floods in Doncaster
Below
Flood victims received support at
the British Red Cross Rest Centres
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Masons help UK flood victims
Thousands without drinking water or
electricity, homes destroyed and families
forced to seek refuge in emergency rest
centres. When, during the summer months,
the UK experienced the worst flooding seen
since 1947, The Freemasons’ Grand Charity
did not hesitate to meet its commitment to
support people in need. Emergency grants
totalling £100,000 were quickly approved
to help victims of the devastation caused by
the torrential downpours.
The flooding, which is estimated to have
caused several billion pounds worth of
damage, hit large areas of the country over
a period of several months. Millions were
affected and at the height of the crisis
military helicopters were called in to rescue
people cut off by the deluge. Tragically, the
unpredictable and dangerous waters claimed
a number of lives, but even as the floods
began to recede it was clear that the ordeal
for those caught up in events was not over.
The clean-up operation is set to be a long,
difficult and costly process and many people
face months in rented accommodation
before they will be able to return to
their homes.
Grahame Elliott, President of the
Freemasons’ Grand Charity echoed the
views of many as he announced the
emergency grants: “Our thoughts are with
everyone affected by this terrible weather
which has destroyed homes and left many
people in dire need of assistance.”
In view of the severity of the situation,
support from The Freemasons’ Grand
Charity has been given in several ways.
Firstly, an emergency grant of £35,000 was
used to help boost Provincial donations to
a variety of charitable causes helping local
people. Through a second emergency grant
of £65,000 to the British Red Cross Floods
Appeal, vital ongoing assistance for
communities and individuals affected by
the floods was provided.
Thirdly, and in parallel to donations for
the wider local community, the Freemasons’
Grand Charity has helped Masons affected
by the disaster through Masonic Relief
Grants which are given to relieve hardship.
The grants from The Freemasons’ Grand
Charity have been well received, with a
report of the donation to the British Red
Cross appearing in The Daily Telegraph and
a number of phone calls and letters received
at the offices of the Charity thanking it for
the support given to the victims.
Speaking about the grant, Mark Astarita,
Director of Fundraising at the British Red
Cross, said: “When an event of this scale
happens, organisations like the Freemasons’
Grand Charity play an enormously
important role.
“On the practical side, you make it
possible for the Red Cross and other good
causes to have resources to quickly make
a difference. In our case, to launch an
emergency relief effort, with equipment
and essential supplies – like water, food and
clothing – delivered rapidly to affected areas.
At the same time, it serves to send a message
that there are people who continue to care
and value each and every person.
“As the waters recede and we start to
move towards helping communities to
rebuild their lives, Freemasons across the
country should be enormously proud of
the contribution they have made to people
affected by the recent flooding, both at
home and overseas, where your support for
the Asia Floods Appeal is making a similar
difference on the other side of the world.”
Supporting people in need
60 Great Queen Street
London wc2b 5az
T: 020 7395 9261
Fax: 020 7395 9295
Email: info@the-grand-charity.org
Web site: www.grandcharity.org
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