A new community initiative in South East Northumberland aimed at providing Sunday lunches for vulnerable and isolated people during lockdown has been given a £20,000 boost by the Freemasons.
Under strict social distancing rules, members of masonic lodges queue up at Ashington Masonic Hall every Sunday to collect freshly cooked meals which are then promptly delivered to those in need. Particularly aimed at elderly Freemasons and widows of ex members, the service is growing week by week with meals being delivered around Ashington, Bedlington and Morpeth. Each delivery includes soup, a Sunday roast and a sweet.
Organised by Freemasons Paul Dunning and Jim Grant, the free “Meals on Wheels” service was set to run for 13 weeks but thanks to a donation of £14,240 from the Mark Benevolence Fund from Northumberland Mark Masons and a further £5,500 from Northumberland Freemasons, the scheme is now set to run for many months more.
“This service isn’t simply about delivering meals, it’s about connecting people who perhaps don’t see anyone else during the week and letting them know that others care about them. The donations will ensure that our volunteers will be able to continue their good work throughout the year.”
Gordon Craigs, Provincial Grand Master of Northumberland Mark Masons
You. can find out more about the Masonic Meals On Wheels Service at the Northumberland Freemasons Youtube Channel.
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