Hundreds of people in Derbyshire have benefited from PPE which has been donated by the Freemasons of Derbyshire.
Its often said that Charity is in a Freemason’s DNA – that would certainly seem to be the case as Derbyshire Freemasons are undertaking a huge task to support the community during the current coronavirus crisis in a number of ways including donations of PPE to those in need.
Over 76 organisations have already received deliveries of many thousands of pieces of PPE such as gloves, face masks and hand sanitiser – disposable aprons will soon be added to the list. The equipment is destined to help people stay as safe as possible. The PPE has been donated freely by members or purchased using funds from the Derbyshire Freemason’s Provincial Grand Charity fund. Some members have even started manufacturing face visors using modern 3D printers. Individual Lodges have also made substantial monetary donations to keep the initiative going.
Deliveries are being made from a central distribution point at Freemason’s Hall in Belper and have been made to care homes, medical centres, pharmacies, and hospitals – Derbyshire Police were given 250 face masks. The distribution has been undertaken by volunteer members of the Derbyshire Freemason’s Motorcycle Lodge who are giving up their time to make speedy deliveries. A huge amount of hard work has gone into this initiative and our thanks go to James Blake for organising and sourcing the items coming in and their distribution, as well as the members if the Motorcycle Lodge for giving up their time to help.
Michael Hitchcock, Provincial Grand Charity Steward said “Freemasons have always been concerned with supporting the community and doing nothing during this terrible pandemic was simply not an option. I’m so grateful for the donations made by our members and the dedication of those involved in getting this equipment to where it is most needed – the items we are distributing may well help save lives”
Steven Varley, Provincial Grand Master for Derbyshire said: “Freemasonry has a long history of donating to charitable causes. Last year nationally, we donated over £40 million to a wide range of community groups in this country and abroad. Derbyshire members have really excelled themselves in responding so quickly during this pandemic by giving their time, supplying equipment, and desperately required funding to those in need. We have more initiatives in the pipeline. I have never been prouder of our organisation than I am today”
