Lodge Acacia No.2321

Lodge Acacia No.2321 Hoyle Court, Baildon, BD17 6JS

charity

Principles of Freemasonry

Service has always been a core principle of Freemasonry and we’re proud of our 300-year history of helping those in need. Our members make an important contribution at a local, national and global level every year by giving both their time and money to make a real difference to a number of organisations and communities.

It’s why Freemasonry is one of the largest charitable givers in the country, contributing £51.1m to deserving causes in 2020 alone. Freemasons do not only donate money – more than 18.5 million hours of volunteer work is undertaken by our members in their communities every year.

Our members engage in many activities including community fundraising and volunteering, as well as a varied programme of events where spouses, partners and families are welcome. We’ve made substantial donations across the country to local air ambulances, blood bikes and provide a number of emergency response vehicles, including two super aerial platforms for the London Fire Brigade.

Freemasonry does a huge amount for medical research into treatments for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and a whole range of other conditions, including Alzheimer’s, by funding UK medical scientists to make ground breaking discoveries.

More recently, money raised has helped to support those affected by overseas disasters as well as those at home.

One of Freemasonry’s core values: looking after others

What We Do

West Riding Masonic Charities Limited (WRMCL) is the designated charity of the Masonic Province of Yorkshire, West Riding. It is a Registered Charity and Company limited by guarantee and derives all its funds from the voluntary contributions of Yorkshire, West Riding Freemasons and their families.

West Riding Masonic Charities Limited is dedicated to building better lives for Freemasons, their families, and the wider community. It supports its members and their families when in need by making emergency grants to qualifying Freemasons, their family and dependents, providing Birthday and Christmas gifts to West Riding Beneficiaries and working closely with the Provincial Almoner structure to provide the most appropriate assistance to those in need.

Its Care and Support Officers are available to provide assistance, advice and guidance to beneficiaries, clients and Lodge Almoners within the Province to maximise their support network. It also supports the wider community by responding rapidly to provide emergency assistance for local disasters and awarding grants to charities and organisations that support the most vulnerable in our communities.

Teddies for Loving Care

Teddies for Loving Care , which was originated in the Province of Essex in 2001 , has grown to a presence in 47 Provinces and in July 2021 the 3 millionth teddy was handed over, a remarkable success story indeed !

The scheme was launched in the Province of Yorkshire West Riding in 2008 , originally at Sheffield Children’s Hospital and now covers 17 hospitals across the length and breadth of our Province.

Bradford Royal Infirmary
Airedale General Hospital
Calderdale Royal Infirmary
Huddersfield Royal Infirmary
Dewsbury & District General Hospital
Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield
Pontefract General Infirmary
Rotherham General Hospital
Doncaster General Hospital
Bassetlaw Hospital, Worksop
Montague Hospital Mexborough
Leeds Children’s Hospital
Barnsley General Hospital
Wharfedale General Hospital Otley
Ripon Community Hospital
Harrogate District Hospital
Sheffield Children’s Hospital

The scheme has had considerable success with well more than 200,000 teddies already distributed to date.

Masonic Charitable Foundation

We build better lives by encouraging opportunity, promoting independence and improving wellbeing for Freemasons, their families and the wider community.