In the spirit of the King’s Christmas speech, several members of Wyggeston Lodge, No. 3448 and the Universities Scheme Lodge for Leicester University volunteered at Pie Nights, a weekly event held at the Open Hands Compassion Centre in Leicester to provide food for homeless people and those in need. Lodge members donned their aprons and served hot pies, jacket potatoes and baked beans, along with drinks, to more than 60 people a night. Organised with the charity by Past Master Andy Green, this is just one example of how the Lodge is working to improve social engagement. By volunteering their time, members are able to connect with people from all walks of life and make a difference in their communities. This is particularly true for student members who might not have the disposable income to fulfill charitable giving.
Chris Panteli, a former student and now Junior Warden, said:
‘I volunteered at Open Hands. Not knowing what to expect, the people I have met through this, whether homeless or struggling for other reasons, have inspired me to be a better person, to realize what I have, and not to judge those who may appear different. Volunteering for Open Hands has been, and will continue to be, a truly humbling experience. We can all learn a lot from opening our hearts.’
