Behind the scenes at the MCF
Wrapping up 2023
This year has been a challenging one for many; with crises across the globe and at home, many have struggled day to day. By responding to need, we have provided support to thousands of individuals facing hardship.
We are proud to have offered some respite to communities across the country, as we have donated £6.8 million to local and national charities through 451 grants. People from all walks of life have been affected by the current cost of living crisis, and through 4297 grants, we have provided support to Freemasons and families totalling £12.7 million.
Here’s our Chief Executive, Les Hutchinson’s message to wrap up the year:
Reflecting back and looking forward
2023 was a busy year for our Masonic Support team, and with an increasing need for mental health support, we extended our services to include children and grandchildren of Freemasons from the age of five upwards.
Freemason Mark was struggling with his mental health for a while before he decided it was time to reach out to us this year for mental health support:
“The support I received paved the way for more intensive therapy and my journey of recovery. Throughout this process, the benevolent presence of my Lodge Almoner served as a constant reminder that I was never alone. I felt supported every step of the way. When recently asked by my Lodge to choose a charity to support, there was one clear choice for me – the MCF.”
This year, there has been a rise in need across many families and communities in England and Wales. Our Masonic Support team have been looking closely into ways to expand their support services to as many people as possible.
Freemason Paul was struggling with the cost of living, and after his local authority declined his application for disability support, he reached out to us. “Even though my request was outside of the MCF’s remit, they kindly considered this individual case and awarded the money to erect a new fence. Without this, I wouldn’t have been able to take possession of my new guide dog, Stevie, who has increased my self-confidence and independence greatly.”
Our upcoming 2022-23 Impact Report has marked the beginning of a new approach to impact and evaluation at the MCF and the continued development of a new seven-year strategy. We are committed to gathering evidence which allows us to determine the extent of our positive impact on the individuals, families, and communities we support.
Thanks to the generosity of Freemasons, their families and friends, we have made a huge impact this year. We launched three Festival Appeals in Wiltshire, Nottinghamshire, and Yorkshire West Riding and successfully concluded five. We can’t wait to see all of their fundraising efforts to come in 2024.
As we look forward to the new year, we will continue to focus on reducing isolation in later life and creating the best start in life for disadvantaged children and young people. We will also endeavour to support medical research into degenerative diseases and fund care services in the hospice sector so we can continue to build better lives for all. If you or someone you know might benefit from our support, please do not hesitate to contact us.
I would like say a huge thank you to all of our donors and fundraisers, in particular those supporting a festival appeal, of which three launched this year, and five successfully concluded. So as we reflect on a successful year, and look ahead a to new one, please rest assured that, thanks to your support, we will continue to provide assistance to the most vulnerable people in need, within Freemasonry and within our communities. On behalf of all of us at the MCF, I wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
Please note that our offices are closed from 12pm 22 December – 2 January
