Ezra McGowan of Hand and Heart Lodge No 4109, in his travels, has seen many situations in our city streets, and over the years many stories have been written concerning the charitable exploits of this remarkable man and Freemason.
In 2016, Ezra, along with his brother Nathan, set up a registered charity called The Forget-Me-Not Trust (No 1164359), in order to assist those who were in dire need. Currently self-funded and assisted by donations from sources both Masonic and non-Masonic, the charity also operates a website, click here to view.
The charity initially set up trailers, proudly displaying the square and compass, for use in Manchester, Peterborough and London, providing warm food, warm clothing and in really desperate circumstances, hats, gloves and male or female specific toiletries. The charity also assists in supplying provisions to local shelter homes and an outreach men’s home in Salford.
Not satisfied with all the above, Ezra and Nathan together with a local friend, Robert McKenzie, set up a foodbank in their local community of Northenden. The foodbank has been supporting over 30 local residents and provides a warm place over the festive season for people to take refuge, providing food and warm drinks.
Ezra has always stated that his reasons for this remarkable benevolence are that he has been blessed with success in life, family and business and has also been privileged to have the total enjoyment of support from within Freemasonry. He stresses that the homeless people he meets come from all backgrounds. Some have been successful businessmen fallen on hard times, others have missed mortgage payments and things have got on top of them reducing them to homelessness, something that could happen to each and every one of us! Ezra says that he feels that it’s time that he gave something back to society and sees helping the homeless and the much less fortunate as a way to do just that!
In a communication from the previous Provincial Grand Master, Tony Harrison outlined a scheme to collect and present donations to local foodbanks on the 12 December 2020. As the recent months had been, to say the very least, challenging for everyone, this scheme aimed to ease the hardship experienced by families, particularly at this time of year by providing food, toiletries and if possible, Christmas presents for children. Unfortunately, studies carried out by the South Eastern Group, officers were unable to locate a suitable foodbank in the local Urmston area, so a decision was taken to open one of our own.
Ezra kindly offered his experience and assistance in setting up a foodbank and in conjunction with other local Masons, the first steps in the process of setting up were taken to establish a Masonic Foodbank in Urmston. Although it was initially thought that there was little local need for a foodbank, it proved to be a great success and consistently delivered food and toiletries to the local residents, care homes and forces veteran societies.
Following the closure of the foodbank at Urmston Masonic Hall, Ezra, together with Darren Gregory, rented premises from the local Council and opened up a Soup Kitchen in Northenden, locally to where they live and together with partners and volunteers are providing a place where disadvantaged local residences can go and keep warm and have a hot meal and even a game of bingo on a Monday evening.
Not satisfied with all the above, Ezra and Darren set up a foodbank running in parallel with the soup kitchen. The foodbank is run out of Ezra’s van which is generously stocked with food and other items and has been supporting many local residents in the local area. As you can imagine, this has all been greatly appreciated by all and is also promoting Freemasonry in the community.
As a result of the various above schemes, the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Dr Eamonn O’Neal DL saw fit to award Ezra with a certificate of special recognition for his outstanding activity and contribution to the community. The award recognised the appreciation of the people of Greater Manchester for the altruistic acts of thoughtfulness and kindness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ezra received his certificate in recognition of the award and when the lockdown restrictions were lifted, he was invited to a High Sheriff event, at which his good deeds were celebrated appropriately.
The High Sheriff Special Recognition Award is made to individuals or groups of individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the community during the difficult circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and Ezra went above and beyond to make sure that those who needed assistance at this unfortunate period in our history got help as swiftly as possible. Now it seems that Ezra’s exploits have been brought to the attention of national campaigners and he has been honoured with the esteemed British Citizen Award (BCA) at the Palace of Westminster. This recognition celebrates outstanding contributions to society. The medal presentation saw Ezra receive the coveted BCA Medal of Honour for Services to the Community (BCAc). Recipients of which are entitled to use the letters after their name, thus commemorating their achievements.
Ezra’s latest initiative is to reach out to all schools in the local area and appeal for each of the pupils, who were able, to bring in non-perishable foods. This proved so successful that the charity was able to completely re-stock the foodbank. His no-red-tape approach has been an essential lifeline for those in need. As well as being the charity’s co-founder, he also delivers food and supplies, providing hope to many who are not able to provide for themselves.
From helping homeless members of the community, to supporting struggling families, welcoming refugees, even sending vital aid such as clothing and food to Ukraine at the start of the currant, devastating war, Ezra’s selflessness extends to so many causes and people in need, both locally and further afield that it is truly remarkable where he finds the time!
Stephanie Wood from BCA Partner One Stop commented: “This year’s medallists’ exemplify the incredible support within our communities, especially during challenging times. We’re honoured to partner with the BCA and play a part in recognising these exceptional individuals.”
The presentation, hosted by TV presenter Matt Allwright, was attended by BCA Patrons Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers, and The Rt Hon Lord Dholakia. Following the ceremony, the medallists enjoyed an open top lap of honour tour and a certificate presentation at the magnificent Grade II listed, Church House Conference Centre, also in Westminster. After all this, who knows what awaits Ezra, but one thing is for sure, the hard work and benevolence will continue whilst he still has the breath to carry it out!