Technical Lodge No 5666Charity at Technical Lodge No. 5666
Technical Lodge No. 5666 has a proud tradition of supporting local charities and community initiatives. Fundraising is a regular part of Lodge life and is often integrated into events such as Ladies Nights, Burns Night celebrations, and Festive Parties.
In the past year alone, the Lodge raised and donated £3,655 to 14 different charitable causes. In addition, members are now turning their attention to a wider effort as the Province enters Festival 2029.
The Role of the Lodge Charity Steward
Charity is a cornerstone of Freemasonry. While all Freemasons share a commitment to charitable giving, the specific priorities and focus can vary from Lodge to Lodge—especially depending on whether the Province is currently in Festival.
The Charity Steward plays a vital role in guiding and encouraging Lodge members in their charitable efforts. This includes promoting a positive, lawful, and effective approach to fundraising, as well as offering support on how best to contribute.
What is a Festival 2029?
A Festival is a major fundraising campaign, held every 11 years in each Province, and typically runs for five years. Its purpose is to support the work of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF). For our Province—Yorkshire North and East Riding—Festival 2029 is now underway and will culminate in a celebratory banquet where the total funds raised will be announced.
Information on Festival 2029 can be found on the Yorkshire North and East Riding Festival 2029 Website site: https://ynerfestival29.org.uk
Further resources in respect of the Masonic Charitable Foundation are available on their website: https://mcf.org.uk
How Can Members Contribute?
All Freemasons are encouraged to give what they can to this important cause. Lodges and Chapters are also invited to strive for recognition through Honorifics, based on their per-capita contributions. Whilst this is based upon a sum raised against the membership numbers of each Lodge; Lodge Honorifics can be attained be means of collective Lodge fundraising events in addition to individual member donations.
- Vice Patron – £300 per member
- Patron – £600 per member
- Grand Patron – £900 per member
These milestones reflect a Lodge’s collective commitment and support of the Festival.
Become a Festival Steward
Members who pledge a continuous donation of £10 per month throughout the five-year period will receive the official Festival Steward’s Jewel, which may be worn at Lodge meetings as a sign of personal contribution.
Festival Ambassadors
Each Lodge has been assigned a Festival 2029 Ambassador. The role of the Festival Ambassador is to visit their allocated Lodges on a quarterly bases and provide an update to the Lodge on their fundraising progress. As is customary during a Festival a Provincial Festival tie can be purchased and warn by any member, who wish to show their support. Lodge Ambassadors offer other Festival items for sale, such as gloves, pin badges, and cufflinks.