"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."
Festival 2029 Presentation
What is a Festival?
A Festival is a Province-wide fundraising project, spread over a number of years (usually 5) to support the work of the Masonic Charitable Foundation. Each Province is ‘in Festival” every 11 years and it is now Yorkshire NER's turn - ending in 2029, hence it is called Festival 2029. At the end of the period of fund raising there is a Festival banquet at which the final total raised is announced.
What is the target?
It is hoped that every member will give what they can toward this excellent cause. As well as individuals Lodges and Chapters are encouraged to attain a level of achievement based on their membership. It is hoped that most Lodges and Chapters will reach one of the achievements and that at the very least all will have given something.
How do I support The Festival?
Donations can be made in a number of ways, but it is hoped that most members will sign up for a regular promise by direct debit. Your Charity Steward will have the forms and details of the other methods.