Lodge charities
The major fundraising of the James E Bullen Lodge for the last 5 years, along with the other Lodges of the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight, has been toward the 2016 Festival on behalf of the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys. Our contribution during that time was £23,108 resulting in the presentation of a Silver Certificate. The Province as a whole raised a staggering total of £7,746,319 – the highest sum to date by any province.
To enable Brethren to make donations, either regular or single, the Charity Steward is the representative of the Grand Charity Relief Chest. This vehicle will claim Gift Aid on the donor’s behalf where appropriate increasing the donation by 25% and provide regular monthly statements. The Chest Holders may use their funds to make donations to any Masonic or non-Masonic charity, or to an individual (e.g. a Lodge member or the widow or a dependent of a member) who is in need.
Each year, the Master of the lodge will choose a number of charities to make donations to. Below is a list of benefactors that the lodge has contributed to.