Under the direction of the group chairman Gary Rogerson, ably assisted by the group charity steward Phil Renney, the Masons of Furness and South Lakeland Group rallied to support the food banks of the local areas within Furness and South Lakes.
The focal point was again the Fairfield Masonic Hall in Barrow for collection of donations and sorting them into the bags for delivery. Paul Burden, the Project Manager of the foodbank was again delighted to receive the donations which would help those less fortunate in the area. “Since the removal of the extra money available via the universal credit, demand in the area had increased once again. The food donated, along with a cheque for £2,750, would help enormously”, added Paul Burden.
The members in the group had been collecting food to deliver to the ‘Fairfield’ for the last month. Phil opened up the hall on numerous occasions for deliveries, with other donations being dropped off during the times of all the lodge meetings within the group. A clear focus given by Paul to Gary of the items that the foodbank needed allowed the brethren to target specific items and so hopefully, all receiving assistance would benefit from a targeted response from the group.
The members of the Arthur John Brogden Lodge No 1715 in Grange-over-Sands were also able to present a cheque to Rahina Borthwick, Project Coordinator of Grange-over-Sands Community Food Store for £850. The centre is based in the former ‘Postlethwaites’ store in the Main Street and provides a valuablecommunity resource.
From Santa’s grotto in the store, Rahina explained: “No one needs to go hungry or lonely. We are open every day and people are welcome to call in and have a chat.” Their motto being, ‘Bellies not Bins’ refers to the organisation’s aims of tackling poverty, reducing food waste and increasing well-being – perhaps an ethos we all need to adopt!
The total amount donated in the Furness and South Lakeland was therefore £3,600 and, for that and all the food bags donated, Paul and Rahina wish to thank all the brethren for all their donations which they say: “Will make a big difference to a lot of lives, especially at this time of the year.”
