Freemasons in Leicestershire and Rutland are celebrating a magnificent milestone in their charitable donations to the local community during the last five years

As they approach their 300th anniversary, figures released today show that Freemasons based in Leicestershire and Rutland, despite the recent economic downturn, have donated to over 400 different charities to the sum of £800,000.

Just under a third of the money donated went to healthcare charities, whilst those charities supporting children and youth received a quarter of the funding. Other charities were also supported who focus on social welfare, education, disability, elderly, culture, sport, religion, homeless and animals.

Freemasonry is one of the biggest contributors to UK charities, including both masonic and non-masonic causes. It encourages members to take a moral and ethical approach to life, helping them become the best that they can be. It seeks to reinforce the principles of kindness, honesty, fairness, tolerance and integrity.

The donations include those given by the Leicestershire and Rutland Masonic Charity Association, the Royal Arch Masons and Mark Master Masons.

Some of their recent donations include £10,000 to Warning Zone, the Leicester based interactive life skills centre, for an e-Safety zone, £15,000 to Leicester Cathedral for the reinterment of Richard III, £25,000 to the Leicester Children’s Holiday Centre Mablethorpe for play equipment and £50,000 to the new Centre for Medicine at the University of Leicester.

Other major beneficiaries include the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance, LOROS Hospice, Rainbows Children's Hospice, and PROSTaid.

David Hagger, Provincial Grand Master of Leicestershire and Rutland said: 'All of our members are encouraged to give to charity but should always be within their means and it is entirely up to each member how much they wish to contribute. The money donated is raised by the members themselves from such events as ladies' nights and other social occasions where family and friends get together.'

He continued: 'I'm incredibly proud and thank all our members for their philanthropy and generosity by contributing this amazing amount of money to local communities reinforcing the role that Freemasonry has always and continues to play in society.'

Online safety education

Children’s educational centre Warning Zone has received a £10,000 donation from Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons towards an interactive experience highlighting the dangers of the internet. The new E-Safety Zone is based on a trip to the fairground and aims to educate Year 6 children (ages 10-11) about online safety, including learning about internet security, cyber bullying, grooming, digital identity and unsuitable material. It was opened by Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire Sir Clive Loader, with PGM David Hagger, Provincial Almoner Anthony Molyneux (both pictured) and other members of the fraternity in attendance.

Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons have donated £10,000 to the children’s educational charity Warning Zone towards the funding of a new interactive zone based on the dangers of the internet

The new E-Safety Zone is an interactive experience, based on a trip to the fairground, for Year 6 students which aims to educate children about online safety including learning about internet security, cyberbullying, grooming, digital identity and unsuitable material.

Warning Zone was first launched in October 2006 and is the adopted charity of the High Sheriff of Leicestershire and Rutland. It combines vital messages in a single stimulating and memorable experience which helps to prepare youngsters for increased independence and their transition into early adolescence. Located on Frog Island in Leicester it aims to foster an understanding of risk, consequence of actions, peer pressure and personal responsibility. It is not about wrapping children in cotton wool, rather presenting the plain and honest facts in a memorable and understandable way in order to encourage responsible behaviour and sound decision making while living full and active lives.

The new zone was officially opened by Sir Clive Loader, Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire and Rutland, on Monday 5th October 2015. The Provincial Grand Master of Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons, David Hagger, along with other members of the fraternity, also attended the opening ceremony and were given a most interesting and informative tour of the new learning zone.

David Hagger said: 'We are very proud to have contributed to this excellent learning facility for children. As Freemasons, we follow five principles which encompass the fundamental values of good citizenship. Educational facilities such as Warning Zone similarly help youngsters to develop the concept of their own personal and social responsibility. The E-safety zone is an excellent new facility that will ensure the risks of using the internet are highlighted to children.'