The Devonshire Freemasons gather biannually, in spring and autumn, to offer financial support to various local organizations in need.
These include children’s charities, schools, youth centers, and local charities such as hospices, hospital services, and cancer charities.
The funds are raised through the “WAKE Fund”, a trust established by William Alexander Kneel, the Devonshire Provincial Grand Master from 1970 to 1984.
The fund, which currently stands at £2.3 million, is the result of the continued generosity of Devonshire Freemasons and prudent investments.
The income generated, approximately £50,000 each year, is distributed by the trustees.
Reuben Ayres, the Provincial Grand Charity Steward for the Devonshire Freemasons, stated that since its first disbursement in 2001, the Devon Freemasons WAKE Fund has donated over £946,000 to charities and other worthy causes throughout Devon.
These beneficiaries are selected by the 127 Masonic lodges within the county. More than 1,000 charities and organizations have benefited since the fund’s inception.
This spring, Nicholas Ball, the Provincial Grand Master for the Devonshire Freemasons, presented cheques totaling £21,250 to 18 local good causes at Uffculme Masonic Hall.
Among the beneficiaries was Horses and Forces C.I.C., an organization that supports armed service people and their families dealing with post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Other charities that received donations in June include The Mountbatten Centre Charity Trust, ChemoHero, Blackdown Support Group, Tavistock AFC Development Squad, and many others.
Source: ivybridge-today.co.uk
