The Provincial Grand Lodge of Cornwall celebrated the conclusion of its monumental five-year 2024 Festival fundraising campaign with a Festival Finale event at Truro Cathedral to announce the impressive grand total of £1,070,000 raised in support of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), which was received by Les Hutchinson, Chief Executive of the MCF and James Long, President of the MCF.
The MCF is the Freemasons' central charity, which is one of the largest grant-making charities in the country. It builds better lives by enabling opportunity, advancing healthcare and education, and promoting independence. This achievement highlights the generosity and determination of Cornwall's Freemasons to support vital causes both within Cornwall and across the UK.
Led by Festival President David Maskell, the Head of Freemasonry in Cornwall, the campaign united Freemasons from across the county through a variety of creative and community-focused fundraising activities. The funds raised during this period will contribute to the MCF's work in providing essential grants and services that make a profound difference to local communities, particularly for the most vulnerable.
David Maskell shared his pride in the campaign's success:
"Freemasonry in Cornwall has always been about more than ritual and tradition — it's about coming together to support our communities when they need us most. This Festival represents our shared commitment to building better lives and offering a helping hand to those facing adversity. I'm incredibly proud of the energy and determination of our members, who have surpassed expectations and achieved a remarkable total of £1,070,000."
The Festival Chairman, David Leaity, added,
"Our members have once again demonstrated their generosity and creativity in fundraising. From marathons to raffles, auctions to charity dinners, the spirit of Freemasonry was on full display, and it's wonderful to see our combined efforts result in such a phenomenal total."
Through the generosity of its members and supporters, Cornwall's Freemasons have historically played a significant role in supporting local and national charities. This latest Festival continues that tradition, with the added benefit that a portion of the funds raised will be reinvested in Cornwall's local community initiatives.
David Trevains, Festival Director, highlighted the far-reaching impact of the initiative. He remarked,
"As a county, we receive numerous grants from the MCF each year, and this was our chance to give back and support their incredible efforts. Every pound raised has contributed to changing lives for the better, and the remarkable total reflects the extraordinary power of collective action."
The Masonic Charitable Foundation is a leading UK grant-making charity that supports a wide range of charitable causes, from medical research and disaster relief to support for disadvantaged youth and elderly care. The MCF's work extends to Freemasons and their families, ensuring that members of the Masonic community have access to care and support when it is needed most.
