Freemasons support for FORCE

FORCE has been chosen as one of 24 good causes from across Devon to receive support this year from local Freemasons.
The Devon Emergency Services Lodge nominated FORCE for an award and we were presented with a cheque for £750 at a county charity evening in Sidmouth.
This takes the total presented to FORCE to £1,350 after a £600 donation from the Devon Emergency Services Lodge earlier this year.
Every Spring and Autumn Freemasons from around Devon gather to give support totalling £40,000 to local organisations.
The money is raised through the WAKE Fund –  a trust conceived by William Kneel, Devon Provincial Grand Master from 1970 to 1984 and the late owner of Kneels laundry & dry cleaners.
This fund now stands at £1.77 million and the interest raised is given annually to local non-masonic organisations. Since it was launched in 2001, in excess of £550,000 has been given to more than 650 worthy causes selected by members of the 138 Masonic lodges based in the county.
Making £20,000 worth of the contributions at the Spring gathering in Sidmouth, Devon Grand Master 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.”
Our picture show FORCE Community Fundraiser Naomi Cole receiving the cheque from Mr Kingsbury accompanied by  Tim Stock and David Eldridge of The Devon Emergency Services Lodge.