Rochdale District Freemasons are going the extra mile to help those in need at this very difficult time.
After an initiative introduced last year by district charity steward John Taylor, members were encouraged to donate either food or financial support for the local foodbank: each item was measured with an overall target of reaching one mile – Miles More Food from The Freemasons.
Since the public health crisis took hold, Rochdale Freemasons have been determined to make a positive difference to those most in need.
A dedicated bank account has been set up and, in the absence of regular meetings, Freemasons brethren are encouraged to make financial donations. Many generous donations from both lodges and individuals have been received, including Royds Lodge donating £780 and 410 Easter eggs donated from Hopwood Hall College.
John and his wife Sue make twice-weekly trips to Asda, purchase exactly what is needed and take everything straight to the foodbank. The running total to date is a third of mile and the most recent donations will take that to half a mile. There is still a long way to go and a further £2,500 or so is needed to reach the target. To put this into perspective you would need 14,627 tins of beans stood on top of each other to reach a mile.
Delighted with the response from across the district, John said: “I wanted to do something proactive and help those most in need. As long as we receive donations, Sue and I will keep doing the rest.”
District Chairman Doug Smith has been equally thrilled at the response, adding: “This is a fantastic community initiative.”