As torrential rain and flooding continues to affect large areas of Britain, the President of the Freemasons' Grand Charity has responded to The British Red Cross UK Floods Appeal with an emergency grant of £65,000. A sum of £35,000 has already been made available to boost Provincial Grand Lodge donations to various charitable funds. Separately, Masonic applicants will be considered for urgent financial assistance by the Masonic Relief Grants Committee.
Approximately 1 million people have been affected by the worst flooding to hit the UK in over 40 years and many have been left without access to drinking water or power. As well as supporting the work of the emergency services in the immediate aftermath of the downpours, the British Red Cross will be providing assistance as the floods begin to recede. The £65,000 grant will help support communities and individuals as people are finally able to begin returning to homes ruined by flood-waters.
In view of the severity of the situation, a sum of £35,000 has been set aside in addition to the grant to the British Red Cross to match Provincial donations to charitable organisations involved in the flood response. Nearly half the money has already been earmarked and The Freemasons’ Grand Charity aims to distribute the remaining funds over the forthcoming weeks.
In parallel with support for wider relief efforts, The Freemasons’ Grand Charity will be assisting individual Masons affected by events, and their dependants, through Masonic Relief Grants which are given to relieve hardship.
Speaking about the response, Grahame Elliott, President of the Grand Charity said “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this terrible weather which has destroyed homes and left many people in dire need of assistance. The Freemasons’ Grand Charity was established to support people in need and we hope these grants will help people cope with the impact of the floods and begin to get back on their feet.”
Visit The Freemasons’ Grand Charity website at www.grandcharity.org
