During the Covid Lockdown, W Bro Gavin Wales of John Page Lodge started what has become an annual tradition of collecting donations from Brethren in the Cramlington Masonic Hall, to buy Christmas Presents which are given through local charities to kids who need support.
Since he started, he has raised more than £5000 and this year was no exception. Thanks to donations from the Northumberland Freemasons Charity, the Mark Benevolent Fund, John Page Lodge, Perfect Ashlar Lodge and scores of Cramlington Masons, Gavin raised £855 this year, which bought over 100 gifts.
The gifts this year were donated to the Cramlington Salvation Army and presented by Gavin to Sue, who coordinates the Christmas project. Sue was overwhelmed by the generosity of the Freemasons and thanked the brethren for their Christmas spirit.
When asked about his fundraising efforts, Gavin said: ‘So many brethren reached into their pockets to help, and I am grateful for their kindness and support for a very worthy cause’.
Speaking earlier this week, the Provincial Grand Master, R W Bro Ian Craigs, reminded brethren of our duty as Freemasons to do all we can to help those people in our society who need the most help. He said: ‘Christmas is a happy time for many of us, but not for all. We should always remember those who are struggling and need help, and I am immensely proud of the service of Northumberland Freemasons in doing all we can to support those who need us most’.
