Families for Children receive £1,000 from local Freemasons

Every Spring and Autumn Freemasons from around Devon gather to give support totalling £40,000 to local organisations who are in need of assistance, among which this year included Families for Children who support adopted children and their families throughout the South West.

The money is raised through the “WAKE Fund” a trust conceived by the Right Worshipful Brother William Alexander Kneel, our Provincial Grand Master from 1970 to 1984, the late owner of Kneels laundry & dry cleaners. This fund now stands at £1.8 million the interest earned is given annually to local non masonic organisations who are in need of help.   

Since the first disbursement in 2001 over £575,000 has been given to over 670 worthy causes selected by members of the 137 Masonic lodges based in the county.

This year on Friday 16th October, The Right Worshipful Brother Ian Kingsbury JP. Provincial Grand Master for Devonshire presented cheques to 23 deserving causes. Meeting at The Masonic Hall Trafalgar Lawns Barnstaple, the charity representatives accompanied by a Mason from their nominating lodge were able to enjoy a buffet supper, have a look around the building and receive their cheques totalling the magnificent sum of £20,000.

Making the contributions Ian Kingsbury said “I am delighted that the Freemasons of Devon are able to contribute to these important local causes many of which are totally run by volunteers and hopefully these donations will make a real difference.

Richard Cottrell, Families for Children Strategic Fundraising Manager, who attended thanked Ian Kingsbury and said: “We would like to say a big thank you for the donation of £1000 received from the WAKE fund and the Freemasons of Devon.

"This money will be used to support the some 100 vulnerable adopted children across Devon and the South West."