The Gladstone Group have once again responded magnificently to the Province of West Lancashire Foodbank Appeal initiative, in supporting a local charity, Micah Liverpool.
Micah Liverpool is a social justice charity that has been set up by Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King and St Bride’s Church, to relieve Liverpool residents from social injustice and poverty. One of the many ways that the charity helps to achieve their aims is by providing food and other household items.
In a similar fashion to the appeal made last year, the Masonic Hall at Garston opened each Monday in early November and December to receive food donations. In addition, lodges and chapters could also make monetary donations to the appeal which allows Micah to concentrate on providing those items they particularly need.
With the final date set, a flurry of activity took place with donations coming in thick and fast to the hall. John Reynolds and Malcolm Pemberton of Cecil Lodge No 3274 brought a huge delivery which kept them and volunteers busy bringing it into the hall, swiftly followed by various goods from Lodge of Grace No 6418 and Adelphi Lodge No 6819 adding to the impressive collection already present. With over 750 food and other items donated amounting to over £1,200; a really impressive collection and effort from everyone involved.
Executive Director of Micah Paul O’Brien arrived at the hall and expressed his thanks on behalf of Micah to all who had donated. Paul explained that the donated foodstuffs and other goods would save considerable time and effort in purchasing items which is a task undertaken by the charity every week.
Gladstone Group Charity Steward Sean Keyes, deputising for chairman John James, also communicated to Paul that a cheque would be provided to Micah once donations had been collected and totalled. At the time of reporting, an amazing £6,020 including gift aid has been raised; an amazing achievement and a splendid way to support the West Lancashire Foodbank Appeal.