Charitable Acts

Charity is not something Ashby's Freemasons do occasionally - it is woven into the fabric of what we are. From laying the foundation stone of the town's Cottage Hospital in 1897 to sponsored walks, cheque presentations, and Christmas fundraisers today, giving back to the community has always been at the heart of our Lodge.

donations

Our Recent Donations

Hastings Lodge members present a cheque to the Renal Unit at Derby Royal Infirmary

Hastings Lodge Supports Derby Renal Unit with £1,200 Donation

By Peter Jones • October 23, 2026
Ashby’s Hastings Lodge No. 8695 gives £1,200 to Derby Royal Infirmary’s Renal Unit appeal to replace its holiday caravan for dialysis patients.
Ferrers & Ivanhoe Lodge No. 779 charity night, Ashby-de-la-Zouch

Ferrers and Ivanhoe Lodge Charity Night

By Josh Wright • May 28, 2026
Highlights from the Ferrers & Ivanhoe Lodge No. 779 charity night in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, and the local causes supported by the Lodge's fundraising.
Hastings Lodge No. 8695 charity presentation, Ashby-de-la-Zouch

Hastings Charity Steward’s Report 2025-2026

By Josh Wright • May 28, 2026
Hastings Lodge No. 8695 Charity Steward's Report for 2025-2026, covering the money raised and local causes supported by Ashby-de-la-Zouch Freemasons.
Children posing close to the camera with a smiling adult outdoors under a clear blue sky

Martha’s volunteer trip to Nakuru

By Peter Jones • May 28, 2026
Martha shares the story of her volunteer trip to Nakuru, Kenya. A community story from the Ashby-de-la-Zouch Freemasons' news and charity blog.
Why charity matters

Relief, one of the three great principles

Freemasonry is built on three great principles: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Relief, the duty to care for others and give generously, is not a footnote. It is a founding principle of the Craft, practised by Freemasons for over 300 years. Nationally, Freemasons across England and Wales donated more than £51.7 million to charitable causes in 2023 alone, making Freemasonry one of the largest charitable givers in the country.


Every Lodge has a Charity Steward whose role is to coordinate fundraising and charitable giving on behalf of its members. Donations flow in two directions: outward to local, national and international causes chosen by the Lodge, and inward through the provincial and national Masonic charities that support Freemasons, their families, and the wider community. Here in Leicestershire and Rutland, Freemasons raised over £2 million through their 2017–2022 Festival alone, exceeding their original £1.8m target.

165+

Years of charitable giving by Ashby's Freemasons.

£51.7m

Donated by Freemasons across England & Wales in 2023 alone.

£2m+

Raised by Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons through their 2017–2022 Festival, exceeding their £1.8m target.

How Masonic charity works

The structure of charitable giving

Masonic charitable giving operates at three levels; local, provincial, and national, ensuring that donations reach both the immediate community and those further afield who need support.

Lodge level

Each Lodge has a Charity Steward who organises fundraising for causes chosen by its members - local charities, community organisations, and individuals in need.

Provincial level

The Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons' Charity (LRFC) makes grants to local registered charities across the county, and supports Freemasons and their families in times of need.

National level

The Masonic Charitable Foundation supports Freemasons, their families, and wider society through grants for health, care, education, and disaster relief, one of the largest charities in the country.

Get Involved

Want to make a difference?

Becoming a Freemason means becoming part of one of the most active charitable networks in the country. If you'd like to find out how you can get involved, whether as a member or simply to support our charitable work, we'd love to hear from you.

Ashby Freemasons, supporting local charities in Ashby-de-la-Zouch