Shropshire Masonic Charitable Association (S.M.C.A.)
This report of June 2019’s S.M.C.A. grants to local charities was first published on 21st July:
The Shropshire Masonic Charitable Association welcomed representatives of local charities to its annual grants presentation day at Freemasons’ Hall in Shrewsbury to distribute donations totaling over £25,000 to 39 local volunteer-run organisations, many of them focused on youth-based fundraising activities. In addition, throughout the last year, local masonic lodges have made 40 donations to their communities totaling almost £20,000.
Welcoming the charities’ representatives, Roger Pemberton, Provincial Grand Master of Shropshire’s 1,200 Freemasons, said the day was a celebration of the voluntary work undertaken in and for the community by the many volunteers who worked so hard. Inviting Simon Aucott, Chairman of the Association, to present the grants, Roger added: ”Freemasons are part of their communities and are keen to be involved. This is our way to say thank you to all those who, like you, give up so much time and energy to benefit so many. Shropshire is a wonderful county and it is people such as you who help to make living and working here so worthwhile.”
Grants were made to organisations large and small, but all firmly based and operating in the county, from the Midlands Air Ambulance to Guides and Brownies, and their representatives took the opportunity to explain their work and to meet with each other and share ideas over a buffet after the presentations.
Among the many who attended were past Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Peter Nutting who with Siree Griffiths received a grant for the mayor’s charity last year Little Rascals, and Sam Eardley who accepted a grant for disability equality charity Scope: Sam completed the Oxford Half Marathon in his wheelchair, donating his sponsorship to Scope.
Roger Pemberton, thanking everyone, explained that the Masons’ national charitable foundation (M.C.F.) had last year distributed over £48 million to charitable causes throughout the country, including a grant of £60,000 to the new Horatio’s Garden at Gobowen’s Orthopaedic hospital to benefit the spinal injury patients there.
Apply for an S.M.C.A Grant
Please note that generally SMCA grants are made to registered charities, though smaller charitable organisations are most welcome to contact us and we can explain how to apply for help. We feel it is important to ensure that the money raised by Freemasons is spent with due care, and special attention is given to organisations which are based in and which support Shropshire.
Individuals requiring assistance should normally approach their Lodge or the Provincial Almoner in the first instance. Download an application form by clicking below – completed forms should be emailed to the Secretary allencadman@btinternet.com.
