There were 4.3 million children living in poverty in the UK before the pandemic. The situation has worsened and with the rising cost of living, sadly many more families will struggle. The figure is an average that equates to one third of all children, but we know some neighbourhoods have much higher levels of child poverty. For 30 years the charity has brought hope and smiles to 18,000 children. We’re proud that despite all the challenges of the pandemic, we are still here offering that glimpse of hope and sunshine. We know children pack their bags weeks before they are due to come away with us – they’re excited that they have something to look forward to. While they’re with us they have fun and they learn new things, and they become part of our Go Beyond family (from Go Beyond's website).
Many children do still travel from cities but we have seen a lot of children in need in our rural and coastal communities too.
Carl Wholey (Go Beyond’s Director for Children) added that around 730 have been helped this year, next year they hope to get back to pre-Covid figures of around 1000. There are two sites, one is a 50 Acre former Farm in Derbyshire, and the other is a centre at Tywardreath near Par in Cornwall, close to the coast and lovely beaches.
Leader of Devonshire Freemasons Ian Kingsbury presenting the donation said:
'What amazing work this Devon Charity does, we hope that this donation will provide a huge boost and really make a difference to many Children’s lives. We need to remember that this is investing in our future Generations, and that's important.'
Michelle Farmer from Go Beyond added:
'On behalf of all of us at Go Beyond I would like to extend my huge thanks and gratitude to the Masonic Charitable Foundation for this very generous grant.
'Our mission is to give children who have been bereaved, abused, or bullied, who are living in poverty or caring for loved ones the chance to escape their worries and pressures with a break in the countryside - at no cost to them or their families. Thanks to the generosity of the Masonic Charitable Foundation more than 50 children, who face serious challenges in their home lives, will be given the moments they need to believe in themselves and think beyond the day-to-day for a bigger, brighter future.
'We are hugely grateful to you for your kind and considered support; for giving these children a break that will last a lifetime.'
Devonshire’s Freemasons contribute towards the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) which is one of the largest grant-making charities in the country. Funded entirely through the generosity of Freemasons in the Provinces and their families, the MCF awards millions of pounds each year to local and national charities that help vulnerable people, advance medical research and provide opportunities for young people. The MCF also helps to fund vital services such as hospices and air ambulances and regularly contributes to worldwide appeals for disaster relief.
In total, MCF support helps to improve the lives of thousands of people every year in England, Wales and internationally. Here in Devon we are fortunate to see much of the money donated to MCF nationally return to Devon to help Charities and Groups based here. As well as providing grants to charities, the MCF supports Freemasons and their families with a financial, health or family need.
Visit the MCF website here.
Visit the Go Beyond website here.
