West Kent launched its 2026 Festival in February 2020. Just six weeks later we went into our first lockdown, potentially disastrous for any fundraising. However not to be beaten we looked to “online” fundraising possibilities and found a new and unusual event ‘A Christmas Virtual Balloon Race’. The cost per balloon was set at just £3, with the option to name and decorate the balloon and many members purchased balloons for their children and grandchildren. We could choose the start date and launch area of the race and decided on seven days before Christmas Eve from Father Christmas’s Grotto in Lapland to finish at 7pm on Christmas Eve. The event raised just over £5,000 of which we gave £1,250 to two local children’s charities, the balance going to our 2026 Festival. The overall outcome was excellent for all involved and we highly recommend it.”

Roland Stokes, West Kent Festival team

It has been an honour to work with the MCF over the past six years as Provincial Grand Charity Steward for the Province of Devonshire. Devonshire has received generous support from the MCF in recent times including grants totalling over £68,000 from the COVID-19 Community Fund, supporting a range of charities like Samaritans, as well as charitable causes that support foodbanks, victims of domestic abuse, and those living with HIV, and dementia. It has been a true privilege to meet those working with many local charities and to witness, first hand, their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm in supporting those disadvantaged members of our community.”

Reuben Ayres, Devonshire Provincial Grand Charity Steward

An extra helping of festive cheer across Cambridgeshire… In October 2021, the MCF generously offered a matched funding grant for foodbanks and charitable food deliveries over Christmas to help vulnerable people. Lodges in Cambridge, Ely, March, Newmarket and Wisbech, following some excellent work by the respective charity stewards, donated towards this grant with matched funding and additional support from the Province of Cambridgeshire’s Charity for Care and Relief. The donations were estimated to have helped around 4,500 people across Cambridgeshire during the Christmas period. The MCF was very quick to process the grant applications and all the grants were promptly made ensuring the maximum benefit in time for Christmas.”

David G Cameron, Cambridgeshire Provincial Grand Charity Steward

As a Provincial Grand Charity Steward, I am delighted when I receive notice from the MCF that an application from a local charity has been approved, because it reinforces the link between Freemasonry and charity within the wider Cheshire community. It also allows me to fulfil the best part of my role: visiting the charity to make the “official” grant presentations along with leaders of the Province. This allows me to meet some of the most amazing staff and volunteers who dedicate their lives to helping other people, which is a truly humbling experience.”

Harry Wright, Cheshire Provincial Grand Charity Steward