STEPPING STONES DONATION
A charity concerned with children and young adults with Down syndrome received a donation from local Freemasons.
Fleet based Stepping Stones DS received a cheque for £1,000 which was presented by Charity Steward Richard Pfleger and John Johnstone of Elvetham Masonic Lodge.
Founded in 2006 it has the remit to provide support for children and young adults with Down syndrome, and their families, tailoring their range of support to the individual needs of each child, and the professionals in their lives. Today they currently have 160 children that benefit from education, social and physical activities together with wellbeing and family services.
A lean team of seven staff members is supported by a panel of Trustees, who are committed to inclusivity and empowerment across West Surrey, North Hampshire to the west of Basingstoke and the Reading region.
SSDS Community Fundraising and Projects Officer, Sarah Sutton expressed her thanks,
“We are so grateful for the donation of £1,000 from Elvetham Masonic Lodge. This amount of money could cover the cost of one year of school outreach for one of our children. Your kindness helps our outreach team promote learning, communication, independence and confidence, giving children with Down syndrome the opportunity to reach their full potential. We are incredibly grateful for your support and the difference you are making to local families.”
John Johnstone, a freemason for fifty-six years lives in Fleet and, being fully aware of the good work undertaken by Stepping Stones DS, was pleased to nominate them as part of the round of annual donations made by Elvetham Lodge.
Charity Steward, Richard Pfleger, explained where the money comes from,
“Freemasons use their own money to support local good causes, and it is fortunate that Elvetham Lodge also has the interest from investments for us to donate”
“Across Hampshire and Isle of Wight the 8,000 members of 250 masonic lodges donate almost £1,000,000 annually while across the country, including providing financial support for some international crises, Freemasons donate almost £50,000,000.”
