This morning  the Senior Warden, Brother Bob Harris, of White River Lodge No 153 made a presentation to The Amigos de Calles in Valencia, which is one of the five charities chosen by the Provincial Grand Master, of food stuffs and toiletries along with an anonymous donation of 200€.  This was very gratefully received as they help around 150 families in the area.
It is the wish of the members of the Lodge that we continue to support this worthy cause.  This gift today will be followed  by another donation of €1500 made on behalf of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia.

On Friday the 1st of September, Javea Lodge No 40 held its annual Race Night and Ascot Evening at the Costa Nova Centre, Casa de la Pizza.
An excellent evening was enjoyed by more than 50 members, their wives and guests.
The Ladies prize for the best outfit and dress was won by the elegant Coral Guise-Smith, but it was a close contest with many of the other Ladies.
From sponsorship,  2 euro bets, and a race auction by W.Bro. Ray Guise-Smith, the Lodge raised 750 euros. This is being donated to the local Raquel Paya school for children with special educational needs, and the local charity Project4All which is one of the Provincial Grand Master’s charities supporting the hungry and homeless in this area.
Many thanks to Bro. Robin Tillbrook and all his charity team for an excellent evening.

Reach Out Extienda La Mano recently celebrated 11 years in Torrevieja.

From their centre, in addition to providing food to people in crisis, they provide packed lunches for homeless people, shower facilities, washing machines, and donated clothing to help the homeless maintain some degree of dignity and hygiene. The Families’ Food Bank helps to lift families out of crisis, and help everyone to move forward.  Their Torrevieja centre comprises of offices, a canteen, a food bank, second hand shop, as well as a storage and a workshop area where electrical devices are pat-tested before being offered for sale.

Old Tower Lodge No. 49 has been supporting ‘Reach Out’ for a number of years, relying on the generosity of Brethren and their families to donate food, clothing, and other items, in addition to Lodge Charity Funds.

During a recent monthly meeting with the Lodge Charity Steward, W. Bro. Alan Clarke, the Charity President Alexandru Petricean, stated that there was an urgent need for hygiene products especially soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toiletries, nappies, and bleach, as well as baby food products.

Following a significant grant of 1,000€ from our Provincial Grand Master, Old Tower Lodge was able to supplement its own work with an immediate donation of hygiene products, much needed and in severe short supply.  Alex and his staff were most grateful for the donations received by the Freemasons of Valencia, and will highlight our involvement with the Charity with photos and a report on their own website.

The Old Tower Lodge strategy to support this charity includes a new motto – ‘Reach Out – I’ll Be There’ which is hoped will encourage Brethren to give an amount they feel comfortable with monthly via direct debit, this when added to the generous Provincial grant will allow Old Tower Lodge to significantly enhance the support they are able to provide.

This is another great example of Masonic Charity in Action, and underpins our commitment to help make a difference in the local communities where we live.

Photos show Alex Petricean (centre) Charity President, and W. Bro Alan Clarke (right) Lodge Charity Steward, accompanied by W. Bro Chris Ward from Old Tower Lodge.

W. Bro´s David James, Old Tower Lodge No 49, and Mel Young, Installed Masters Lodge No 108, along with Janet James and Jo Young, visited the San Jose Obrero Orphanage in Orihuela on Friday 7th July, to present the Director and staff with 35 Lightweight Sleeping Bags, 35 pairs of Scuba Shoes and 35 Aluminium water bottles.

This equipment is needed for children who are going to take part in this years summer camp.

The Director of the Orphanage has organised two camps in which 70 children will take part.
The first 35 children will go on the 24th July, and the second group will
go at the end of August where they will take part in camping, trekking,
white water rafting and lots more fun activities.

The funds were raised from a Race Afternoon organised by Old Tower Lodge,  an afternoon where we enjoyed a buffet prepared by Janet, and racing organised by the DC, David Beale, where more than 800 euros was raised.  The remainder raised from Charity Funds by the Installed Masters lodge.  W. Bro David stated on behalf of the W. Master and Brethren that it is very heartwarming to be able to donate this much needed equipment to help the children enjoy what will be a fantastic Summer camp with lots of fabulous activities.