As part of Freemasonry’s 300th anniversary celebrations, the Masonic Charitable Foundation is distributing £3 million to 300 charities across the country and the hospice - which cares for adults across Cambridgeshire living with a life limiting illness or condition - is one of those selected to benefit.
Each of the nominated charities will receive a grant, but the public vote will determine how much they receive, ranging from £4,000 to £25,000. You can vote for the Arthur Rank Hospice by visiting the Masonic Charitable Foundation website at mcf.org.uk/vote, selecting the Cambridgeshire page and casting your vote, up until Monday 31 July.
Donna Talbot, Director of Fundraising and Communications, adds: “Historically we have received an incredible amount of support from the Cambridgeshire Masons, one example being over £215,000 donated in respect of our new state-of-the-art hospice at Shelford Bottom. This initiative by the Masonic Charitable Foundation is such a wonderful way for charities to raise both funds and awareness in a new and exciting way during this very special year of Freemasonary.
"It is thanks to the generosity of our supporters that we are able to continue delivering our vast array of vital services and how wonderful that this initiative provides a way for our supporters and the general public to have a direct influence over the amount of funds that will eventually be allocated to us! Every vote counts, so we hope every person in the local area who hears about the scheme will take a couple of minutes to go online to the website or call us with their vote: it really is a fabulous chance to make a real difference to those who need our care both now and in the future.”
The Masonic Charitable Foundation obtains all of its funding from Freemasons and their families. It is estimated that half of Freemasonry’s total charitable expenditure of over £33m goes to charities that help people in communities across the country.
William Dastur from Cambridgeshire Freemasons said: “We are proud to be able to support many charities across Cambridgeshire but in this special 300th anniversary year we want to involve the public, as well as local Freemasons, in deciding which of the nominated charities should benefit most. I urge everyone to visit the website and vote.”
If you would like to vote for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity to win up to £25,000, please visit https://mcf.org.uk/region/cambridgeshire/ or call the fundraising team on 01223 675888, before Monday 31 July.
Full details of the 2017 Community Awards – Tercentenary Fund scheme can be found at mcf.org.uk/vote
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