THE EAST LANCASHIRE MASONIC CHARITY

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES The relief of poverty by the provision of help and assistance to needy Freemasons, or their widows or any other of their dependent relatives. The education of children of needy or deceased Freemasons. To make grants in cash or kind for the purpose of relieving the immediate and pressing needs of Freemasons or their families. To provide help and assistance to other charitable and good causes for the general benefit of the public or our communities.

PEOPLE President: The RW Provincial Grand Master Sir David Trippier The Director of Operations : Mrs Julie Ward Honorary Secretary: WBro Mark Davis Chairman: WBro Chad Northcott APGM

COMMITTEES The Benevolence Committee The Comforts Fund Committee Young People's Committee The Grant Making Committee Fundraising Committee

BENEVOLENCE COMMITTEE Principal grant making Committee Oversees Comforts Fund and Young People's Committee Comprises membership from all Districts in the Province Grants awarded for emergencies or long term support In 2015, the Committee administered grants from Grand Charity of £104,600, then further topped up those grants by £16,508

COMFORTS FUND COMMITTEE Organises a traditional programme of events each year in the form of: A Spring Party An annual weeks holiday A day outing usually in September. Each beneficiary also receives: A Birthday gift of £30 A Christmas gift of £125 These benefits are additional to any grants awarded.

YOUNG PEOPLE'S COMMITTEE Organises several events throughout the year for over 60 children The Committee try to cater for all age groups which is not an easy task as the children’s ages range from as young as 3 years to full time education. Events include Chill Factore, theatre shows, go karting, orienteering days, trips to places of interest The children also receive a £25 Birthday gift and a £50 Christmas gift.

GRANT MAKING COMMITTEE Replaces the Community Fund Committee Looks to support worthy causes throughout the Province Expanded criteria to allow a greater reach and assist more worthy causes Encourages Districts and Lodges to actively engage with their community whist offering financial support

FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE To raise funds for the ELMC through: Clearly communicating and educating our members of the work of the Charity and its various Committees Providing and encouraging fun, value, inclusive fund raising events and ideas for our members and their friends and family. Working closely with our Districts to help them promote and deliver fundraising events that will work within their District structures

EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE Anticipate, plan and prepare to rapidly respond to emergencies/disasters within the Province and assist in the recovery phase This is a Provincial committee that works closely with the ELMC, who maintain and secures the Disaster relief fund. To date the Whalley flood appeal has been supported with £17500, Radcliffe Flood appeal has received £5000, Rochdale Foodbank £1000 and an individual £500

Providing Teddies for distressed and vulnerable children in Hospitals and Specialist Care units. The ELMC will now fund the Teddies for Loving Care scheme across the Province should Districts require financial support

FACTS & FIGURES There are currently 693 Beneficiaries cared for by the ELMC. This figure consists of: 89 Widows, 18 Brethren, 28 Married Couples, 3 Daughters, 1 Bachelor and 60 Young People. There are also 473 Widows of closed Lodges. Following the closure of many Lodges, the ELMC have taken over the responsibility of caring for the Widows. The ELMC send a Christmas cheque (£25.00) and a card on their Birthday to ensure that their links with Freemasonry are not broken.

HEWLETT COURT Our Provincial Retirement Home

Hewlett Court provides accommodation for elderly Freemasons, their wives, and other dependent relatives from predominantly, but not exclusively, the Province of East Lancashire, who are ambulant, in reasonable health and over pensionable age. Excellent facilities and a programme of consistent improvements Regular scheduled events in a community based environment with dedicated support staff Respite holiday rooms available

WHAT CAN WE DO?

SUPPORT FROM OUR LODGES AND CHAPTERS Prioritise the ELMC when considering donations Organise a Lodge event or get involved in a Provincial or District event Become a Patron Vice Patron £250 per year Patron £500 per year Grand Patron £1000 per year Chapter patronage £100 Vice Patron, £200 Patron, £400 Grand Patron

For a minimum £5 per month or £60 per year, you can personally contribute towards the Charitable efforts of the ELMC Each Friend will receive a personalised membership card, letter of recognition and lapel badge. All Friends will be also be automatically entered into the flash prize draws, to be held during the year. Become A Friend of the ELMC

QUESTIONS?