Masonic donations boost for hospice and responders

Representatives from 33 diverse local charities attended Freemasons’ Hall as donations totalling £43,537 were handed out on Saturday.

The Melton Community First Responders, who provide voluntary support to the East Midlands Ambulance Service and serve Melton, Asfordby and surrounding villages, were grateful to receive £1,000 towards paying for a new defibrillator which will enable them to continue their work.

Dove Cottage Day Hospice, which offers palliative day care to those living with advanced progressive life limiting illness, was also thankful for receiving £1,000.

Other charities receiving funds included the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Jennifer, Lady Gretton, who received £1,000 on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant’s Award for Young People 2016 which seeks to identify, celebrate and reward the very best examples of achievement by young people in Leicestershire.

David Hagger, the head of the Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons, ended the meeting by applauding all the charities and their volunteers who give their time to such good causes. He said: “I’m proud the Freemasons have been able to make a major contribution to society by supporting charities, particularly those helping many children and young people.”