The money will help make up the shortfall in events income.
Submitted by Essex Freemasons
Freemasons from Chelmsford, Essex have pledged their support to a local charity with a £1,000 donation.
Members of the Lodge of Integrity have donated £500 from their own pockets and £500 provided by the Essex Freemasons Community Fund to City of Chelmsford Mencap.
This donation will help to make up the major shortfall in events income caused by lockdowns and the coronavirus pandemic which has, in turn, resulted in a significant downturn in the services the charity has been able to provide.
Anthony North, chair of trustees at City of Chelmsford Mencap, said: “Local fundraising events would usually have contributed to the cost of classes every day for up to 30 students with learning difficulties.
“This has not been possible because of Covid and our classes have had to be significantly reduced, with many moving online, which in turn has impacted on what we can do for our 80 plus registered members in the Chelmsford area.
“Like many similar organisations, we are still facing restrictions and social distancing measures but cannot wait to get our classes back up to full strength and this donation from the Chelmsford Freemasons will make a huge difference.”
Knowing the problems faced by City of Chelmsford Mencap, which is a standalone independent charity, Lodge of Integrity Mason Chris Davy and charity steward Ian Weller spoke to their members who immediately agreed to make a donation.
This was supported by the Essex Freemasons Community Fund.
Revd Martin Howse, assistant provincial Grand Master and a trustee of the Essex Freemasons Community Fund, said: “We were delighted to match fund the donation from Lodge of Integrity and support a charity that does so much for the local community and sincerely hope that they will soon be able to operate a full service once again.”