Devon Freemasons donate almost £1 million to charities and community groups

Every Spring and Autumn Freemasons from all around Devon meet to support local organisations who require financial assistance, among which are children’s charities, schools, youth centres and locally community-based charities and organisations including hospices, hospital services and cancer charities.

The money is raised through the 'WAKE FUND', a trust conceived by William Alexander Kneel, the Head of the Devonshire Freemasons from 1970 to 1984, the late owner of Kneels Laundry & Dry Cleaners (now Johnsons). Since the idea was initiated, the fund has grown through the continued generosity of Devonshire Freemasons and wise investments.

Today it stands at £2.3 million from which the trustees distribute the income generated, currently around £50,000 each year.

Anthony Eldred, Devonshire Freemasons Charity Steward, said: “Since the first disbursement in 2001, over £995,000 has been given by the Devon Freemasons WAKE Fund to charities and other worthy causes throughout Devon, selected by the 119 Masonic lodges within the county.

“Over 1,000 charities and organisations have benefited since it started. Charity and service to our communities are fundamental principles. On Friday, May 31, at 7.30pm at the Exmouth Masonic Hall Nicholas Ball, the Head of the Devonshire Freemasons, presented cheques to 20 local good causes amounting to £25,000.”

The Head of Devonshire Freemasons Nicholas Ball said: “The two WAKE Fund evenings each year are always so special, they bring us much closer to the needs of special groups in the public domain. This year again did not disappoint. There are some wonderfully kind people working for local charities who do so much to make our communities a better place to live.

“Their stories make us, as Freemasons feel truly humble and we are delighted to continue our support for them. The Freemasons of Devonshire should be very proud of this fund and of the efforts of the Provincial Benevolent committee.”