The London Appeal

As at 31 July 2008, the total raised was £3,707,334.13.

The RMBI would like to thank the Metropolitan Grand Lodge for their generosity, the funds raised from London Freemasons will make a real difference to the lives of a great many older Brethren and their dependants.

A fine example to us all

Every Freemason will remember the peculiar moment he was initiated into Freemasonry, poor and penniless and no doubt recall the appeal to his charity being 'thankfully received and faithfully applied'.

Lewisham Lodge, No. 2579, recently literally applied such important words by resolving to generously to donate the content of the Lodge Relief Chest in support of the Metropolitan Grand Lodge/RMBI appeal.

London Lodges and Chapters currently hold some £4.5 million in their respective Relief Chests, not being so 'faithfully applied'

The photograph features a publicity cheque for £5,000 being presented to W Bro Chris Caine, RMBI Chairman, by W Bro Stan Herridge, Lodge Charity Steward.  Also depicted are W Bros George Dyball, Secretary, Bro Bob Kempson and the Master, W Bro Brain Knipe MBE in his rightful place.

Recycle your mobiles for the RMBI

The London Appeal has launched a new recycling scheme where you can to recycle your old mobile phones and ink cartridges and at the same time raise money for the RMBI.

All Lodges and Chapters are encouraged to obtain a supply of special envelopes, free of charge, to distribute to their members. We ask that Charity Stewards obtain a number of bags for distribution. 

Members can use these bags, at no cost, to send their old mobile phones and ink cartridges. They can also use the bags to order more for themselves or to give to friends. For each ink cartridge the RMBI will receive £1 and up to £30 for old mobile phones. 

Click on the image below to order. For further information, please do feel free to contact Stratton Richey via The Metropolitan Grand Lodge, or Duncan Washbrook, RMBI Fundraising Co-ordinator, on dwashbrook@rmbi.org.uk.

Special Awards for Generous Donations

A New Award Level is announced

Some Lodges and Chapters have contributed extremely generously to the RMBI Appeal, and in recognition of this, the Metropolitan Grand Master will present these Lodges and Chapters with a Silver Trowel. The Trowel will be known as the Metropolitan Grand Master’s Charity Trowel, and will be engraved as such along with the name and number of the receiving Lodge. These trowels will be very rare as the level of donation will effectively be the Double Diamond level. For Craft that means £25,000 and Royal Arch £15,000.

Following several generous donations from London lodges, the London Appeal Director, W. Bro. Stratton Richey, has announced that significant levels of donation will be recognised by the Metropolitan Grand Master and the Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London.

The totals will be accumulated from donations received by the RMBI from December 2004 until to six months after the Appeal closes in February 2009.  

For any help or advice regarding the award levels or about any aspect of the Appeal, please do feel free to contact Stratton Richey via The Metropolitan Grand Lodge, or Duncan Washbrook, RMBI Fundraising Co-ordinator, on dwashbrook@rmbi.org.uk.

Making a difference

The residents at our Homes include many members of the Masonic community that have lived in London for a large part of their lives and an average of 20% of our residents have London Lodge connections. Prior to the beginning of the Appeal, the donations from London accounted for 20% of the cost of caring for London Masons and their dependants.

The London appeal will have a very real impact on our residents and their standard of living. We want to be able to provide our high standard of care for many years to come.

Various speakers from the RMBI including the Chairman have already undertaken presentations to some of the London Lodges and Chapters about the work of the RMBI. These have been well received and if you are interested we can arrange for them to visit your Lodge or Chapter. Please contact us on 0207 596 2400.

Currency for Care

One London Appeal campaign is Currency for Care follow the link to find out more information on how you can help contribute using your spare change.