"Many of us will know of a Brother or a family member who has benefited from Masonic charity; whether it be at one of the Masonic homes, receiving respite care, through medical support, education of those who have lost one or both parents or just general financial support when times have got tough. All hugely deserving causes.
It is not, however, just Masonic beneficiaries and I am sure we all recall ongoing grants to disaster appeals, hospitals, hospices, air ambulances, medical research and many other local charities that benefit annually from MCF grants and awards.
We have a duty and a challenge to do our utmost over the next five years to raise as much as we can so that in 2029 we can look back with pride and confirm that Yorkshire North and East Ridings has again exceeded expectations.
I hope that all of us, together with our families and friends, will embrace the opportunity to come up with innovative and imaginative new ways of raising funds whilst also ensuring that every activity is enjoyable. This should be a great way of having fun and working together whether it be at a lodge meeting, social event or in some new personal challenge. If we can involve the local community, and continue to explain why Freemasonry is such a force for good in so many ways, so much the better."