Masonic Charitable Foundation

Thursday 3rd March 2022:

While Freemasonry is not political, it is fast moving when aid is required. The following information was sent today from the Masonic Charitable Foundation and United Grand Lodge of England regarding the plight of Ukranian refugees.

Freemasons give £50,000 to British Red Cross to provide aid to Ukranian refugees

Thousands of Ukrainian refugees will be given help and support from Freemasons in England and Wales, following a £50,000 grant to the British Red Cross.

The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF, the Freemasons’ Charity) and the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) have been monitoring the growing refugee crisis of over 500,000 Ukrainian people who have been forced from their country or been internally displaced from their homes.

We are seeking to identify the most critical needs and we are pleased to be able to support and work with the British Red Cross in helping the growing number of refugees.

Many Freemasons have contacted the MCF and UGLE to ask how they can offer further support in addition to this grant. We have therefore established a dedicated Ukraine Crisis fundraising appeal using the Relief Chest Scheme to allow Freemasons, their families and friends to donate.

We encourage Freemasons and others wishing to support Ukraine to donate via the Relief Chest online appeal page at mcf.org.uk/ukraine.

In addition to this national appeal, Freemasons from Lodges across England, Wales and overseas have been sharing their own stories about volunteering, fundraising and donating at the local level.  

We are inspired by their efforts and proud to be able to join them in responding to this growing humanitarian crisis.

Signed by Les Hutchinson, Chief Executive of the Masonic Charitable Foundation and Dr David Staples, Grand Secretary and Chief Executive of the United Grand Lodge of England, there is the opportunity to donate online.

The Masonic Charitable Foundation is the national charity of Freemasonry under the United Grand Lodge of England. UGLE is the governing body of Freemasonry in England, Wales, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and some Districts overseas.