Major donation will help feed those in need.
Northumberland Freemasons have donated £20,000 to The People’s Kitchen in Newcastle thanks to financial support from the national Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF). The grant is one of a number of donations allocated nationwide to help charities impacted by Coronavirus.
The People’s Kitchen supports hundreds of homeless and vulnerable people across the city every day. The charity has been operating for more than 30 years serving up to 175 meals every session, cooking everything from scratch. It is run entirely by volunteers with no government funding and no one being paid for their work. As well as providing nourishing food, The People’s Kitchen also provides a “friends” welfare service and signposting to other agencies to help those in need of help.
This year, demand for their services has grown significantly due to the pandemic and the charity has had to radically change the way it operates to protect its volunteers and the people who rely heavily on them.
Gordon Craigs representing Northumberland Freemasons explained that the grant was there to help The People’s Kitchen at a time when cash donations are down and to assist them to carry on their work seven days a week, 365 days a year.
“This is a fantastic charity that makes such a difference to many people’s lives. They have had to change the way they operate which has had a detrimental financial impact on their operation, yet they have still ensured that every one of their “friends” has received the food, care and support they need despite the pandemic.”
One of The People’s Kitchen’s trustees, Jackie Boardman was delighted with the £20,000 gift from the Freemasons:
“The grant has come at a much-needed time as our usual fundraising opportunities have been severely curtailed by the pandemic. This amount of money will help us to provide meals and other support to those in need. We are truly grateful to Northumberland Freemasons and the MCF for this amazing donation which will be used to support our work.”
The People’s Kitchen rely on donations from business, the community and individuals. They receive no government funding. Anyone who would like to donate can do so at the website https://www.peopleskitchen.co.uk/donate or just text KITCHEN and the amount to 70490 example KITCHEN 10 to donate £10.
Freemasons buildings in the Province of Northumberland can be found in:
Alnwick, Amble, Ashington, Bedlington, Bellingham, Berwick, Blyth, Byker, Cramlington, Haltwhistle, Hexham, Mickley, Morpeth, Newbiggin, Jesmond, Newcastle, North Shields, Seahouses, Seaton Delaval, Shiremoor, Throckley, Wallsend, Whitley Bay and Wylam.