2024: celebrating the past, welcoming the future
As we reach the end of another year of supporting those in need, we look back at some highlights.
A new Chairman
We began the year with a new Chairman, as James M Long, TD was appointed to replace the retiring Sir Paul Williams. James is also the President of the MCF and has been a Trustee since April 2022.
Upon his appointment in January, James said: “This is a critical period for UGLE, as it embarks upon its ambitious new strategy, and I am determined that the MCF will continue to play a key role in its delivery, particularly in the “Third Pillar”, where we represent such a significant and highly visible aspect of UGLE’s engagement in our communities. Being fully engaged with UGLE, both centrally and at Provincial level, we will focus on efficiently delivering the maximum possible impact from deploying the generous donations of our members, present and past.”
Celebrating milestones
This year has been one of special anniversaries. Charities across the country celebrated the 40th anniversary of Volunteers Week, and we were no exception. We contacted all our dedicated volunteers, making sure they felt truly valued and appreciated for their contributions. Here’s a photo of one of our volunteers after receiving a thank you card from us!
We also celebrated 20 years of the TalentAid scheme, which supports exceptionally talented children and young people. As you may have seen on our social media channels, back in September we invited six rising stars to show us their talents and tell us all about the impact of our support, which is only possible thanks to the generosity of Freemasons and their families.
New methods of communication
This year, we launched our newest social media channel on WhatsApp! The channel quickly grew in numbers, and we are proud to have built a tight-knit community of Freemasons and others, where everyone is welcome. We enjoy sharing behind-the-scenes content and particularly value engaging with our audience through polls and reactions. If you haven’t already, why not follow us?
JOIN OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY
A new set of priorities for our Charity Grants
At the start of this year, we reworked the Charity Grants section of our website to help applicants get the support they need for their charity more easily. In doing so, we’ve focused on four priority areas for our funding:
- Improving the health and wellbeing of older people with dementia and their carers
- Early years (0-5) with a focus on extreme poverty and neglect
- Children affected by domestic abuse
- Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR NEW PRIORITIES
Festivals and fundraising
In 2024, Gloucestershire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk and Yorkshire, North & East Ridings launched their 2029 Festivals. We wish these Provinces all the best for their five years of fundraising ahead!
Cornwall, Monmouthshire, Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire and Staffordshire celebrated their festival finales this year. These four festivals raised a combined total of over £6 million, which will play a key role in supporting our work over the years ahead.
SUPPORT THESE FESTIVALS
The MCF wishes everyone a peaceful festive period and a Happy New Year!
Thank you for supporting us through another prosperous year of building better lives.
Please note that our offices are closed from 12noon on 24 December and will reopen at 9am on 2 January.
Should you need support during this period, please refer to our recommended alternative services.
