"117" funds new van for Shrewsbury Food Hub
Many lodges have given generous support to local causes during the COVID-19 lockdown, but Salopian Lodge of Charity 117 has made a very special contribution. “117” has given £21,000 from its Mary Lawrence charity fund to purchase a new van for the Shrewsbury Food Hub.
The van will be used to collect surplus food from supermarkets and transport it to over 70 local outlets which will see the food distributed to those in need. The arrival of the van coincided neatly with the resumption of work for local businesses which had lent their vans to the charity during lockdown. The vehicle should allow the volunteers who staff the Food Hub to almost double the amount of food which they are able to give out.
Mary Lawrence was the wife of Bill Lawrence, a former 117 member who is remembered with affection by those who knew him. The Fund was created in his memory, and the substantial donation to the local Shrewsbury community was ‘driven’ by the Worshipful Master for the year, Ronald Gee. Ron was not able to be present when the van was given to the Food Hub, as he is ‘confined to quarters’ in the present situation.
Look out for the brightly coloured van with the Square and Compasses logo on the back!