South Fylde Freemasons are proud to support local charity, One Fylde’s, green and inclusive recycling programme. The One Fylde charity is celebrating a generous £400 donation from the members of St Anne’s Lodge No 2457. This lodge, along with a number of other South Fylde Group lodges and chapters, is a long-standing supporter of the charity and its life-changing work with adults who have learning disabilities and autism. Over the last 12 months, South Fylde Group lodges and chapters have contributed a further £1,680 to the work of One Fylde.
The connection between One Fylde and St Anne’s Lodge is a personal one. A member of the lodge has a close family connection to one of One Fylde’s clients, who proudly works as part of the organisation’s recycling team; a valued social enterprise providing meaningful work experience and skills development under the supervision of One Fylde’s qualified and caring staff.
The recycling team plays an important role in the local community, collecting cardboard and soft plastics from local businesses for a donation before sorting, processing, and bailing the materials for recycling. Every step of this process is carried out by the people One Fylde supports, all of whom have received accredited training from Myerscough College to ensure they can operate safely and confidently.
However, the success of this service relies on a vital resource – One Fylde’s fleet of minivans, which transport clients to and from their shifts and collect recyclable materials from local partners. These vehicles are now in urgent need of replacement to keep the service running and expand its reach. The £400 donation from St Annes Lodge will kick-start fundraising efforts for a much-needed new vehicle; a crucial investment to ensure One Fylde’s recycling and gardening services can continue to thrive.
Hannah Fletcher, Enterprise Business Manager at One Fylde, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled and deeply grateful to St Annes Lodge for their continued support. Their generosity helps us take the first step towards replacing our essential vehicles, which enable our clients to gain real work experience, build confidence, and make a positive impact in their community.”
This act of kindness reflects the wider importance of community and business support for charities like One Fylde. Local businesses that partner with the recycling team not only contribute to a more sustainable Fylde Coast but also empower people with learning disabilities and autism to lead meaningful, independent lives.
Bill Hembrow, Secretary of St Anne’s Lodge, said that we have seen firsthand the difference One Fylde makes to people’s lives. Supporting their work isn’t just about giving a donation; it is about helping people gain dignity, purpose, and inclusion through meaningful work. We are proud to play a small part in that.
One Fylde hopes that this generous donation will inspire more local businesses and community members to get involved and support their ongoing fundraising efforts for new vehicles, ensuring that their teams can continue to drive opportunity and sustainability across the Fylde Coast. Further information about the One Fylde charity can be obtained from the Head of Fundraising, Josephine.Cross@onefylde.org