South Fylde Group Freemason John Hardman spotted a small social media post which was making a request for any televisions that people could donate to Elm House, a local Fylde homeless shelter.
Brenda Blackshaw, a Fylde super charity champion and local councillor who was leading the project explained: “A lot of the homeless shelters and accommodations do not have televisions, so something as simple as being able to sit and watch a film, or the news was not a possibility for the residents of the shelter”. Through this discovery John Hardman approached the South Fylde Group and put out an appeal to see if any South Fylde Group Freemasons could offer any support.
Both John and Brenda were bowled over with the amount of support they received. From the appeal John was able to collect 15 televisions from brethren that would provide enough televisions for the homeless at Elm House, Blackpool. Also, John was aware that Elm House was in the process of being extended to accommodate more residents, so the large donation of televisions would be most welcome.
John delivered the televisions to their central hub at Abingdon Street, Blackpool, kindly assisted by Leon Teale, another South Fylde Group light blue mason. The pair proudly handed over the televisions to the Homeless Action Team. Both John and Leon were humbled by the great reaction they received from the team.
In reflection both John and Leon thanked those who supported the appeal. John Hardman said: “A huge thank you has to go out to the brethren who donated the televisions, as they have made a huge difference to the lives of the people in Elm House.”