Following the installation of Craig Clifford as master of Starkie Lodge No 1070, a special presentation was made by the new master. Craig had decided to make a donation to Southport Soup Kitchen to help them in their valuable work.
Southport Soup Kitchen has been supporting the homeless and those in financial distress for over 20 years. Maria, the managing director, said numbers since covid have trebled as people nowadays are struggling. They often get up to 90 people looking for help at weekends and 30 during the week. Those looking for help can visit the premises on London Street in Southport, which provides stew on Wednesdays, stew and sausages on Saturdays and stew, sausages and food bags to help get through the week on Sundays.
They are proud to include fresh fruit and vegetables in those food bags, helping those in distress look after their health as well as just providing a hot meal. The staff also provide referrals on to foodbanks and housing for those who need it. The culture of the kitchen is positive, with a group of kind individuals who try and provide cheer as well as food to those who are struggling.
Maria confirmed while some visitors are only short term, others are long term and the situation is worsening. The operation relies on donations and volunteers, with over 50 volunteers now helping out. Craig, as new master of Starkie Lodge, was keen to support this. Craig, accompanied by his son and two members of the Southport Group, senior member of the lodge John Karran and the group secretary Paul Hardman, a cheque for £250 to support the ongoing situation was donated.
The Masons who visited Southport Soup Kitchen could not fail to have been impressed by the size of the operation and the positive attitude of the staff. Charity has always been a key aspect of Freemasonry and with so many in need, and volunteers such as Maria and her team showing such kindness and being so easy to work with, no doubt this will continue.