Under the COVID-19 ‘lockdown’ Masonic meetings were suspended from March 15th for four months - and severe restrictions followed, with two further ‘lockdowns’, “Rules of Six”, social distancing and face-masks bearing the Square and Compasses logo... In that time Shropshire’s members were anything but idle! Well over £120,000 was raised for a variety of charitable causes linked to supporting those fighting and those affected by the coronavirus, including £21,000 dedicated to the provision of a van to aid the Shrewsbury Food Hub in its excellent and important work by Salopian Lodge of Charity 117 (see below!).
The £1m raised centrally at Grand Lodge was used to aid communities up and down the country. The individual response of Masons everywhere has been quite extraordinary, and we quote here just one story out of many that illustrates Shropshire’s Freemasons in action for the benefit of others.
“Ronnie” the van is a hit at Shrewsbury Food Hub
When COVID-19 hit, Shrewsbury Food Hub needed resources to adapt to the situation. Swift support from Masonic Lodges enabled us to keep operating, double the amount of surplus food we redistribute and set up six new Foodshare outlets with our partners so we can reach more than 1,500 people each week. Salopian Lodge of Charity 117 generously donated a van (named “Ronnie” after Worshipful Master Ron Gee), without which we would not be able to operate in this post COVID-world. Thank you so much!
Katy Anderson, Shrewsbury Food Hub