Colin Jenkins, Phil Stock and Geoff Jackson; respectively Chairman, Vice Chairman and Group Secretary of the Southport Masonic Group, recently retired within 12 months of each other. Traditionally there had been a collection made for a personal gift to be presented at a retirement dinner. However, COVID restrictions prevented the dinner taking place and Colin thought that any donations given should be for all three officers.
Prior to their retirement, collectively and generously, they expressed the view that any money donated towards their retirement should instead be used with the intent of aiding local children in need. To this end the Paediatric Department at Ormskirk Hospital was contacted, and a wish list of play items was eventually received. These were acquired over the following weeks and then delivered to the hospital, specifically into the hands of Jacci Bullen, Hospital Play Specialist, enthusiastically aided by a number of nursing staff who expressed great delight and amazement at the volume and variety of items being donated.
Both Colin and Geoff later commented that they truly appreciated the way in which the gifts were received by the hospital staff and hoped their contribution would help in alleviating the children’s experience of being in hospital.
In total, an unbelievable sum of over £900 was received so, not only did they donate to Ormskirk Paediatric Department, but now they are seeking a ‘Wish List’ from the baby hospice, Zoe’s Place, where they intend to deliver a further cornucopia of toys in time for Christmas!
