Masonic Charity
The three principles of Freemasonry are
- Brotherly Love
- Relief
- Truth
As such, all masons are encouraged to give, within their means and without detriment to themselves and their families, to masonic charities. We do this in a variety of ways but at no time do we ask the general public for money. Usually there is an "Alms" collection during or after a meeting and often we hold a raffle at the after proceedings. In recent years Hamtun Lodge has supported the following non-masonic causes:
- Alzheimers Association
- Royal Marsden Hospital
- Children's Hospital
- Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff
- Faith and Football, Wildern School
- Enterprise Challenge 08
- RN Lifeboat Institution
- Naomi House
- Help for Heroes
- The Cleft Lip and Palate Association
There is a very useful article on charitable giving on the Provincial website.
The 2016 Festival
As well as non-masonic charities, there are four central Masonic Charities that we support: the Grand Charity, the Masonic Samaritan Fund, the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, and the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls & Boys. These charities require substantial income to cover their large expenditure and, in addition to other sources, such as investment income, a high proportion of their annual income comes each year from one of the 47 Provinces; that is, from the results of an extended period of charitable giving by the Province’s brethren, called a Festival, over anything from 5 to 7 years.
Our current Festival is for approximately 6 years, culminates in 2016 and is for the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys. If you wiish to find out more of this festival please visit the Provincial Festival Website.