Warwickshire’s Order of the Secret Monitor (O.S.M.) has made the highest-ever single charitable donation in the Order’s history to Myton Hospices.
The record-breaking contribution was raised through the collaboration of four conclaves: Athelstan, Godiva, Rocheberie and Sutton Coldfield.
The donation will help refurbish inpatient bathrooms at Myton Hospice in Coventry, supporting patients receiving specialist palliative and end-of-life care.
Grand Supreme Ruler Andrew Sweeney generously covered the remaining shortfall from special reserve funds to complete the donation.
The contribution comes at a critical time, with Myton able to keep only 25 of its 36 beds open due to funding pressures.
Myton Hospices expressed heartfelt thanks to Warwickshire Masons for their generosity, compassion and commitment to supporting local patients and families.
Earlier this week R.Wy.Bro. Scott Dunn attended Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolwich with R.Wy. Bro. Peter Wise to donate £10,000 for the purchase of 20 Porters wheelchairs.
In October, Peter contracted a mystery infection in his foot requiring 7 weeks of hospitalisation and multiple surgeries in Queen Elizabeth Hospital and St Thomas’s London, (and is still undergoing outpatient treatment).
During this time, Peter realised that a great many of the delays in getting treatment result from a shortage of Portering Chairs, not the Porters themselves!
In February, he started an appeal funded with sales of second-hand regalia, to raise money to buy some of these chairs. He contacted many of his friends in Kent, and from their generosity, raised £10,000 in just 8 weeks funding 20 chairs.
Kent OSM Province was pleased to support our Past PGSR in his quest by committing £2000 from the Kent OSM Benevolent Fund. Also being in the Chairs of units in Kent Mark and Knights Templar, Scott was able, (with a little persuasion), to top up the funding to cover 7 of the chairs.
The photograph shows Scott & Peter with Margarita Vidiella, Head of Charity and Volunteers, and Nathan Ahwieh, Fundraising & Engagement Coordinator.
Peter is continuing his efforts to supply at least one more hospital in Kent with new chairs.
This week, Reece had the pleasure of accompanying the Provincial Grand Recorder and the Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler to Kyall Road Library in Sunderland to present a donation to Action on Dementia Sunderland.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by members of the organisation, who provided an insight into its history, aims and valuable work supporting people living with dementia in the local community. The organisation relies entirely on the dedication and generosity of its volunteers, with no funds raised being spent on wages or expenses. The Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler presented a cheque for £1,000, comprising £500 donated by our Conclaves and matched by MM Hall. The donation will fund the purchase of a new laptop and two iPads to support the organisation’s ongoing work and enhance the services it provides to local people.
This is a truly worthwhile cause, ensuring that funds raised directly benefit the local community. In recognition of the occasion, the delegation was presented with a commemorative plaque as a token of appreciation. We are proud to support organisations such as Action on Dementia Sunderland, whose dedication makes a meaningful difference to the lives of those who need it most.