Isle of Wight charities received donations of more than £90,000 which were donated by the Freemasons at a special celebration evening in Ryde recently.
The Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Major General Martin White, attended the event with a number of other dignitaries and Mike Wilks, the Provincial Grand Master of the Masons.
The 17 island lodges raised the total of which £72,500 was distributed during the event to more than 30 charities. These includes Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat, Ability Dogs 4 Young People, Kissy Puppy The Sophie Rolfe Trust and many others.
Each charity was able to give a short talk on the work they do within the community and all were very grateful for the donations.
Mike Wilks said:
“The Isle of Wight lodges have again shown their commitment to their community by supporting so many charities.
“The amount raised is evidence of that and it was moving to hear from the representatives about the important work they all do.
“All the money was raised from our own members and it’s clear how well the donations will be used.”
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The charity representatives were shown around the masonic hall and enjoyed a buffet afterwards.
