What is philanthropy? The Greek playwright Aeschylus in the 5th century BC explained it as “The love of humanity.” In the present day this can be interpreted as generosity in all its various forms and can be defined as giving gifts of time, skills and wealth to help make the lives of other people so much better.
Over 100 Freemasons attended the annual Blackpool Group Giving Night held at the Masonic Hall in Blackpool along with various Masonic and non-Masonic guests and charity representatives. The giving night illustrates one of the values that are at the very core of Freemasonry, namely charity, which exemplifies the principle of the Masonic tradition of giving something back to the local community and making a difference to those in need.
Before the event commenced, the attendees were treated to a fine buffet in the museum dining room supplied by Shaun and his team at Masonic Catering. Afterwards everyone proceeded upstairs to the Eric Sharples Suite for the charity presentations. The charities were invited to attend the giving night to give a talk on what they intend to use the money for and hopefully to gain more donations for their worthy causes. The donations given represent the hope and support for the community and for those people who are helped by the charities and who provide essential assistance to those in need.
The proceedings were opened by the Blackpool Group Chairman Stephen Jelly who welcomed everyone to the Charity Giving Night with a special welcome to the distinguished guests, the Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor Peter Hunter and Mayoress Anne-Marie Hunter.
Stephen proceeded to inform the guests that Freemasons have four main values which help to define their journey through life, integrity, friendship, respect and service. These values are as important today as they have ever been. Freemasons throughout the world make an important contribution at local, national and global level by giving time and money to make a difference to the various and diverse organisations and local communities.
Concluding his welcome, Stephen thanked the charity representatives for attending. He also thanked Masonic Club President Colin Goodwin, Shaun of Masonic Catering, group secretary Michael Tax and group vice chairman David Edwards, along with all the other group officers involved and the members of lodges and chapters who had all helped to make this event so successful.
Stephen then introduced the Regional Charity Steward Bob Marsden who proceeded to introduce the charities and the representatives of the lodges and chapters who had donated money to them. As each charity received their donation cheques, a short presentation was delivered illustrating what the money will be used for.
The charities present were a broad range of organisations, supporting physical, mental and social welfare. This broad range of diversity reflects the commitment of Freemasonry to make a positive impact throughout the local area.
The evening concluded in a fine display of philanthropy with the group chairman Stephen Jelly announcing that £59,274.05p had been raised during the past year with approximately two-thirds of the money being distributed to 50 non-Masonic charities and other deserving organisations.
It is a truly humbling experience to listen to the charity representatives talk about their selfless devotion in helping and assisting those in need.
