This year’s Provincial Grand Master’s Charity initiative generated some excellent feedback from all three recipients of funding, nominated by the West Cumberland Group of Lodges.
David Bowden, Chairman of West Cumberland Group of Lodges handed a cheque for £2,000 to Michelle Watson (Young Carers Project Manager) watched by Andrea Carlton (Adult Carers Project Manager). The West Cumbria Young Carers Project offers a service to Young Carers aged between 5 & 18, who have caring responsibilities. They are young people whose lives are in some way restricted because of the need to take on responsibilities for the care of a person who is ill, disabled, elderly or with drug/alcohol problems. Caring tasks can range from general household tasks to full personal care support.
Receiving a cheque for £2,000 is major Sue Wilkinson for the local Army Cadet Force. “The company will benefit enormously from this donation” commented Sue. The aim of the ACF is to inspire young people to achieve success in life with a spirit of service to the Queen, their Country, their local community, and to develop in them the qualities of a good citizen. The Group Chairman commented “We share common aspirations and it was a delight to support these young people with this donation”.
The photo above shows Gwyn Lewis (secretary) and Maurice Anderson from the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue team receiving their cheque. The team at Cockermouth are responsible for rescuing people and animals from the Buttermere, Ennerdale, Lorton and Loweswater valley areas of the Lake District, and from north west Cumbria: With annual operating costs of £60,000 it is registered charity solely funded by voluntary contributions.
Maurice has been a member of our order for many years and is well known to many of us.
The PGM’s initiative was such as success, that it will continue next year. If you have any suggestions of a worthy cause in your area, contact your Lodge Charity Steward or West Cumberland Group Lodge Representative to nominate your chosen charity.
Thanks to Brian Ferrington for the photos.
