15 Kent charities, groups and deserving individuals received a boost at the weekend, with donations totalling over £20,000 from the Cornwallis East Kent Freemason’s Charity (CEKFC). Representatives of a wide range of bodies, including hospices, children’s organisations and those supporting the disabled, attended the presentation at Egerton Village Hall on 7th November.

The presentations were led by Geoffrey Dearing, Head of Freemasonry in East Kent, assisted by representatives of CEKFC and many local lodges. An audience of some 250 members of the public, volunteers and supporters had the opportunity to learn more about the essential work of these groups and organisations. In addition, they heard touching personal stories of those who will benefit from these grants.

The audience were particularly taken with the story of 3 year old Jamie Maynard from Strood. Despite suffering from spastic diplegia he remains cheerful and cheeky, but is in need of funds to support critical post operative care that is not paid for by the NHS. His mum Donna has run a successful campaign, which will be further boosted by this donation of over £3,000.

A full list of the beneficiaries, a brief description of their activities and how these funds will be used is given below:-

Jamie’s Wish To Walk

Helping Jamie Maynard from Strood, affected by spastic diplegia, with post operative care.
Demelza House Hospice
Providing hospice care and support to children and parents throughout Kent.

Margate Parkinson’s Association

Supporting those affected by Parkinson’s Disease.

Disabled Friends & Family Association

Supporting a trip for disabled children from within East Kent to Euro Disney.

Woodchurch Driving Group RDA

Helping the disabled achieve more through learning carriage driving skills.

Counselling Centre

Providing care and counselling to the financially disadvantaged throughout Kent.

SERV Kent

Supporting the training of volunteer blood delivery teams

Pilgrims Hospice

Caring for those with life limiting conditions – The Mayor of Ashford’s chosen charity

Bubble Tube Project – Children’s A&E

Providing calming sensory “bubble tubes” to children’s A&E departments across East Kent

St Mary’s Church – Sutton Valence

Making this essential community resource more accessible and useable

6th Whitstable Scouts

Securing their scout hut with new doors and roof repairs

Leybourne Grange Riding Centre for The Disabled

Enhancing the lives of disabled children through horse riding

Kent Cynophobia Assistance Group

Assisting children in Kent with a life changing fear of dogs

Heart Of Kent Hospice

Providing expert care for those with life limiting illness in Maidstone, Aylesford and Malling

Teddies For Loving Care

Helping children through trauma by providing teddy bears in A&E departments across Kent

Mayor of Ashford Councillor Geraldine Dyer said:  “Today has been a real eye-opener for me. I had no idea about the work Freemasons do. To see these amazing awards being given to great organisations has really taught me a lot. So well done the Freemasons’ and long may your good work continue!”

Chairman of CEKFC  John Grumbridge said: “Our aim is to invest in a brighter future, by assisting the vulnerable and funding opportunities for the disadvantaged in our communities. It has been wonderful to meet these amazing people who are in need of assistance and give them the grants they need continue the with extremely valuable work that they do.”