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We are thrilled to celebrate Volunteers’ Week, a special time dedicated to honouring the incredible contributions of our volunteers.

Their selfless efforts and unwavering dedication are the backbone of our organisation, enabling us to make a meaningful impact in the community and build better lives. This week, we will be shining a spotlight on their invaluable service, sharing inspiring stories and expressing our heartfelt gratitude for their tireless commitment. Join us in recognising and celebrating the unsung heroes who make our work possible.

More than 18.5 million hours of volunteer work are undertaken by the Freemasonry community in aid of the MCF. For example, in times of great need, volunteers help support the work of the MCF by visiting applicants and helping process enquiries for support via the MCF’s grants. In just one year, over 340 Visiting Volunteers (VVs) for the MCF carried out 1,038 visits to applicants, and answered 13,884 enquiries from people asking for help.

Our VVs visit individuals seeking our support, assist with completing application forms, and ensure all relevant documents are prepared and verified, guiding them through a smooth submission process. Beyond practical assistance, they offer comfort, hope, and a listening ear. Their efforts help our program run efficiently and provide those we support with essential face-to-face service.

Locally managed by Freemasons, Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) offers essential comfort to children in hospitals. Since its inception in 2001, TLC has distributed over 3.5 million teddies across more than 350 hospitals in England and Wales. The program is funded by generous donations from Freemasons, their families, and supporters. Many volunteers dedicate hundreds of hours annually to manage the scheme, deliver bears to hospitals, raise funds, and increase awareness through events and talks.

The MCF is lucky to have such a variety of volunteers who support our work, especially behind the scenes. For example, in our Charity Grants department our Provincial Charity Grants representatives volunteer their time to advise our team about charities in need in their local area and help spread the word about MCF work to local Freemasons. Many of our departments also have committees who help set the strategic direction for the team and evaluate the grants we make.

We’d like to extend our deepest gratitude to all our volunteers for their unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions. Your selfless efforts and compassionate spirit are the driving forces behind our success which helps make a profound impact in our local communities. Your commitment not only enriches the lives of our beneficiaries, but also inspires others to join in our mission of building better lives.