Did you know that we have nearly 300 active volunteers working across England and Wales? In this blog post we will highlight the vital role they play; who they are, what they do, and how their efforts help us make a real difference in local communities. 

At the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF, the Freemasons’ charity), volunteers are more than just a helping hand, they are the heart of everything we do. Their generosity, dedication, and compassion make it possible for us to deliver life-changing support to communities across England and Wales. 

Every day, our volunteers offer their time, energy, and kindness to ensure that no one faces hardship alone. This Volunteers’ Week, we’d like you to join us in celebrating their work! Whether they’re out in the community, working behind the scenes, or simply offering a listening ear, our volunteers help us reach even further. 

Visiting Volunteers (VVs)
Our VVs support people who are applying for help from the MCF. They visit individuals at home to offer guidance and support and assist with completing forms to ensure the submission process runs smoothly. But, above all, they offer reassurance and a friendly face during a tough time.  

They provide an essential face-to-face service, and last year: 

• Over 286 VVs were active 

• 1,061 visits were carried out 

• 17,815 enquiries were answered 

Thanks to their time and care, thousands of lives were made just a little bit easier. 

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Teddies for Loving Care (TLC)
Run entirely by volunteers and funded by donations, TLC brings comfort, in the form of teddies, to children in difficult situations. Since 2001, nearly 4 million teddies have been donated to more than 350 hospitals. 

TLC now have local charities running in all 48 Provinces. Many volunteers dedicate hundreds of hours annually to manage the scheme, deliver bears to hospitals, raise funds, and increase awareness through events and talks. 

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Behind the Scenes
Not all volunteering happens front and centre. Many volunteers support the MCF behind the scenes: 

• Provincial Charity Grants reps help us find local charities in need and raise awareness for our work 

• Volunteers on various committees help shape our strategic direction and evaluate the grants we make 

These efforts ensure we’re making a real, targeted impact in communities all over England and Wales. 

To all our volunteers, we’d like to say thank you for everything you do. Your time, compassion, and commitment helps us build better lives and stronger communities every single day. Whether you’ve made one visit or delivered your thousandth teddy bear, your work matters. You inspire us, and many others, to keep giving back.