In response to requests from members of the Craft and as the extent of the devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti has become clearer, the Council of The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has opened a dedicated Relief Chest.  This centrally administered service is for those who would like their donation for victims of the earthquake to be part of a co-ordinated Masonic response.

£30,000 for Haiti Earthquake

Following the devastating earthquake which took place in Haiti on Tuesday 12th January 2010, the President of The Freemasons' Grand Charity has approved two emergency grants totalling £30,000. The funds have been issued to the British Red Cross and Plan. The 7.3-magnitude quake, Haiti's worst in two centuries, struck at 1653 local time (2153 GMT) on Tuesday. The epicentre was within 10 miles of the centre of the densely-populated capital, where around one million people live, more than 50,000 people are feared dead.

Continuing an annual programme of support, The Freemasons’ Grand Charity is donating £500,000 to hospices across England and Wales.  The money is an important contribution towards the millions of pounds needed each and every year to ensure these respected services can continue providing free physical, emotional, social and spiritual care to patients and their families.  In total 225 services will receive a grant. In addition to this grant £150,000 was awarded to Lifelites, to provide educational and recreation technology for children in hospices.