Freemasons donate thousands to St John Ambulance

Sunday 14 June 2020

The Masonic Charitable Fund has donated £5,000 to St John Ambulance Guernsey's covid-19 appeal.

The appeal was set up back in the early stages of the pandemic to fund the charity's response to the crisis.

“St John was quick to respond to the changing needs of the island as the corona virus crisis rapidly evolved," said Chief Operating Officer, Nikki Harrison." We worked closely with a number of other charities, organisations, community groups and States bodies to coordinate and deliver support to the island at what was a challenging time for many.”

The charity's efforts included:

• setting up the Caring Caller scheme for those feeling isolated or lonely
• coordinating community volunteers
• supporting local care homes
• delivering groceries and prescriptions to people who were self isolating or shielding
• setting up a decontamination team to help the Emergency Ambulance Service
• distributing seaweed hand sanitiser

Pictured: Jurat David Hodgetts and Keith Read.

“We are extremely grateful to the Masonic Charitable Fund for making this significant donation to the covid-19 appeal, which will support the ongoing work of St John Ambulance Guernsey in the community," added Deputy Chairman of St John Ambulance Guernsey, Jurat David Hodgetts. "The Freemasons have a long association with St John having provided funds for various projects over the years including for vehicles and the Flying Christine”. 

Like many other charities and organisations, St John Ambulance faced challenges throughout lockdown, with an increase in costs to pay for new projects but restrictions making it more difficult to raise funds.

“St John Ambulance Guernsey would normally raise monies through our flag day, fundraising activities and charges for first aid provision at local community or sporting events, but obviously none of this is happening during the lockdown and many of the community events we were due to attend in the coming months have been cancelled," continued Mrs Harrison.

“We have been grateful for the support we have received from the community so far, but we need more funds so we can not only continue our ongoing work in the island but also develop new community services as we emerge from lockdown and start returning to a new normal.”

Anyone wishing to donate to the appeal can do so via giving.gg.

Pictured top: Jurat David Hodgetts, Nikki Harrison, Andrew Henton, Jim English, Tony Le Tissier and Keith Read.