Unsung Heroes Luncheon

Freemasonry in the Community is without question the new ‘flagship’ of Bucks Province and is doing amazing work as a result of fishing for the disabled, events for the elderly and young carers at Masonic Centres, Blood Donors and the Freemasonry in the Community week commencing on June 20th. This story will take some beating and gets to the root of what Masons do to assist their local Communities.

On the 12th May Gary Mason was informed that a carers luncheon in Slough was to have its numbers cut dramatically or would have to be cancelled leaving some 200 participants devastated, for many it is the only time in the year that they have a little respite from the 365/24/7 task of caring for a family member.

With his Freemasonry in the Community hat on Gary immediately contacted the BMCF on the morning of the 13th May to find that they had a meeting that evening. Within hours he had been in touch with the Organisers of the cares luncheon, found out the facts, identified the costs involved and typed up a three page case for freemasons to support the event. A grant of £3000 was agreed and the event was saved, and all that in just 24 hours.

PGM Ray Reed Commented, “this is what makes Freemasonry such a great organisation when it comes to helping those less fortunate than ourselves, I hope that all 4000 of our members are seeking out opportunities and taking initiative when it comes to deserving causes such as this”

The event was well reported on Radio Berkshire News with great credit being given to freemasons and even a slot for Tim Arnolds comments.

Better still the Slough Midweek Observer gave us front page news and printed the vast majority of the press release issued by Tim Arnold on behalf of Slough Freemasons as follows:

Freemasons stepped in to help fund a party for around 200 community heroes after spending cuts jeopardised the event.

Budget cuts slashed the funding available for carers by thousands of pounds – forcing organisers to consider cancelling an annual luncheon for the people who devote themselves to looking after disabled or infirm family members.

But Slough Freemasons rescued the get together by donating £3,000 to fund the party, at the Polish Association in Church Lane, Stoke Poges, today Friday June 12.

Deputy PGM Cliff Drake, speaking for Slough Freemasons says: “Freemasonry, one of the oldest community organisations in the Thames Valley, raises money to help good causes – and there is no better cause than people who care for others.

“We recognise the incredible sacrifices these unsung heroes make every day of their lives – so we were determined to give them just one afternoon away from their unpaid duties to thank them for their kindness and unflinching devotion to others. “

One of the carers, Julie Arnold, of Burroway Road, Langley, who looks after her 12 year old son Sebastian, who has a brain disease called tuberous sclerosis, says: “Having a relative with an impairment means the whole family is in effect disabled.”

“Providing 24/7 care is a heavy responsibility which grinds you down – so I really look forward to this event. I would have been heartbroken if it had not taken place. It’s so refreshing to sit down and talk to other people who really understand what you’re going through.”

“And I really can’t thank Slough Freemasons enough for their kindness. It makes such a difference to know that there are people in your own community who care... although you may not have met them. Thoughts like that sustain you through your darkest days.”

Slough Freemasons, are multicultural and accept new members regardless of race, creed or colour.

Mr Drake says: “The recession means that community based charity efforts like ours are likely to become more important than ever in the future. Please consider joining us if you want to extend friendships, demonstrate charity and do something positive to help deserving causes in Slough.”