Freemasons donate £2,718 to Hospiscare in Exeter

This year sees the Freemasons celebrate their tercentenary and as part of their annual support of Hospices throughout the country the Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire W. Bro. Chris Yard can be seen here presenting a certificate denoting the £2718 given on behalf of the Masonic Charitable Foundation to Rosie Gedye of Hospiscare, at Searle House in Exeter.

The Masonic Charitable Foundation will this year give grants totalling £600,000 to the two hundred and forty five hospices in England and Wales including nearly £14,000 to seven hospices here in Devon as part of the £12 million given since 1984.

The Freemasons have been long-term supporters of Hospiscare and along with individual donations made by many of the 138 Lodges that meet throughout the county and the Masonic Charitable foundation together, they have donated nearly £100,000 to Hospiscare since 1994 when the Freemasons’ records began. On receiving the certificate, Rosie, Day Care Staff Nurse at Searle House, said, “The Freemasons have given us amazing support over many years. We’re very grateful for this latest award – it will help us to continue giving our patients the best-possible care.”

Hospiscare helps hundreds of Exeter people who are living with life-limiting illness, providing invaluable care and support for them and their families at home as well as in the day-care centre and in-patient unit at Searle House.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master W. Bro. Chris Yard, when he presented the certificate said, “For the Masonic Charitable Foundation to be able to help in this way is very satisfying but when we come and meet the nurses and staff who dedicate their lives to helping people who find themselves in need of their help, it is also very humbling.”

Pictured, left to right: Chris Yard assistant provincial grand master, Ann Andrews & Barry White provincial Charity Steward also Chris & Barry with a hospice nurse.