MASONIC SAMARITAN FUND
CHARITIES UPDATE
RESTORING INDEPENDENCE
S
usan Beaumont has been confined to a wheelchair for the past 10 years. Although she lives independently she remains, at 34 years of age, reliant on her parents for both physical and financial support. Susan has limb girdle muscular dystrophy – a progressive condition that causes weakness in her hip, thigh and shoulder muscles – making it increasingly difficult for her to manage in a self-propelled wheelchair. Her mother, as primary carer, spends the majority of each day with Susan, while her parents remain on call at night in case she is unwell or there is an unforeseen household emergency. Paul Healey, Almoner of Susan’s father’s lodge, applied to the Masonic Samaritan Fund in the hope of securing a grant to supply a powered wheelchair. Te application was successful and Susan is now enjoying a new-found freedom and increased independence without the need to rely on others to push her around. One of her first outings was to the Provincial carol service held at the Penistone Parish Church, near to her home. Susan is now hoping to acquire a car through the Motability scheme that can be driven from her wheelchair, thereby further increasing her independence and mobility.
Susan, with York West Riding Provincial Grand Master John Clayton (right), her father David (left) and Almoner Paul Healey
TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Left to right: PGM Peter George, MSF chief executive Richard Douglas, MSF president Hugh Stubbs and Provincial Grand Charity Steward Tony Evans
CORNWALL GOES FOR GOLD The Cornwall Provincial crest includes 15 bezants (gold coins), a ˇtting emblem in Olympic year as the Province embarks on its ˇnal 12 months of fundraising on behalf of the Masonic Samaritan Fund 2013 Festival. On a gloriously sunny day, Provincial Grand Master Peter George hosted the Fundís Annual Meeting in Falmouth. In addition to welcoming members who had travelled from all parts of the Province, Peter thanked staff, Trustees and members of the Fund who had made even longer journeys. He was particularly pleased to welcome the ladies present, who hopefully left the meeting better informed about the work of the Fund. The Olympic theme was evident as Tony Evans, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, implored all present to ëGo for Goldí in one ˇnal fundraising effort on behalf of the Festival appeal.
freemasonrytoday.com
The Masonic Samaritan Fund (MSF) is looking for volunteers to serve as Trustees. While the main requirement is enthusiasm for the work of the charity, the MSF is also looking to complement and expand the skills and experience currently available. The MSF is hoping to appoint volunteers with experience in health and social care (speciˇcally but not exclusively cancer care, ophthalmology and social care), or charity law. However, if your experience lies in other areas and you would like to volunteer as a Trustee, please do contact the MSF. While the majority of Trustees are serving Freemasons this is not a requirement for all posts. With approximately 50 per cent of the grants awarded by the fund being offered to the wives, widows and dependants of Freemasons, it is hoped to attract both male and female Trustees. With support and training provided, the volunteer will typically be expected to commit to an average of one day per month, with the majority of meetings held in London. Trustees are unpaid, although reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
60 Great Queen Street London WC2B 5AZ Tel: 020 7404 1550 Fax: 020 7404 1544 info@msfund.org.uk www.msfund.org.uk
For further information about volunteering as a Trustee, and a full brieˇng pack, please email Lee Godward at lee@msfund.org.uk, telephone 020 7404 1550 or write to MSF, 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ
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