Kind hearted freemasons from Alnwick have donated funds to ensure that vulnerable people in the rural Northumberland area can easily get to community warm hubs to alleviate the effects of the cost-of-living crisis.
Members of Coquetdale Lodge in the town handed over a cheque for £250 to the local Community Transport Organisation – UCCT (Upper Coquetdale Community Transport) to help them provide transport for those in need.
Upper Coquetdale Community Transport (UCCT) is a registered charity based in Upper Coquetdale. They have been providing transport solutions in rural communities for over 10 years and operate a 16-seater minibus equipped to transport the mobility impaired. They also operate one hybrid vehicle. The organisation provides community group, healthcare and public transport solutions and their beneficiaries include all ages from school children to the elderly.
Thomson Bathgate from Coquetdale Lodge explained why the donation was so important “Everyone is affected by the cost-of-living crisis but for those living in hard-to-reach rural areas, it can be especially difficult for disabled people and the elderly. UCCT are providing transport to warm hubs and spaces where people can keep warm through the winter months. Transport costs are expensive, and our donation will be used to help provide transport including the administration costs of the service, vehicle running costs for trips, volunteer driver expenses, insurance, and promotional expenses. As a Lodge, we believe in helping others and especially those in our own area who need help due to circumstances beyond their control.”
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