One of the fundamental basics on which Freemasonry is founded is that of Charity and it is therefore a most important part of our activities. In view of this Province appoints a Provincial Charity Steward with a structure to help and encourage our membership to do whatever they feel is appropriate and necessary to raise money to fund the extensive activities of our Masonic Charities.
Each Lodge has its own Charity Steward whose duty it is to:
Encourage the Lodge membership to make whatever contributions they feel able for the benefit of Masonic Charities.
Ensure compliance so that the appropriate ‘gift aid’ may be claimed from the Inland Revenue.
Whenever possible obtain a standing order from Brethren so as to assist in continuity.
To fully maintain records.
To maintain a Charity account into which contributions may be gathered and transferred to WRMCL.
Ensure that the account is properly examined.
To assist in the preparation of Lodge requests for grants.
Keeping up to date with charitable affairs so that the members are fully aware of our activities.
As necessary make a yearly presentation to the Lodge on Charity matters.
The Provincial Charity Steward has overall responsibility to Province for the collection and control of monies for payment into our Masonic Charities both National and our own West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd.
The specific duties are:
To chair the Provincial Charity Committee.
Support each Area Chairman within the Province and provide assistance as necessary.
Provide training for Lodge Charity Stewards and members of the Area teams.
Monitoring the income from its various sources and reporting information as necessary
Provide support and assistance to Lodges.
Liaise with the Provincial Almoner and WRMCL for the benefit and improvement of Charitable giving within the Province.
Each of our 5 Areas has a Charity Chairman who is part of the Provincial Charity Committee.
The Area Chairmen operate in their respective areas with a team of Charity Assistants.
Each Lodge has an appointed Charity Assistant who keeps in regular contact with the Lodge Charity Steward.
This contact is to help, assist and give guidance as necessary in all aspects of Charitable giving by the members and the Lodge and assist the Lodge Charity Steward in his duties.
The Area Chairmen are:
Area 1. Neil Davies
Area 2. Alan Elstone
Area 3. Chris Carvell
Area 4. Michael Holmes
Area 5. Jim Watson
Contacts should primary be made to the Lodge Charity Steward who is in a position to call upon the Charity team should he have particular circumstances in which he feels assistance is required.