Durham Freemasons have strengthened their partnership with North East charity Feeding Families by awarding a further £35,000 grant to support the organisation’s efforts to help individuals and families experiencing food insecurity this winter.
As part of their ongoing commitment to the region, Durham Freemasons have opened their buildings in Shildon, Billingham, Stockton and Sunderland throughout November and December to act as collection points for non-perishable food items. These halls are open for public donations on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 12noon to 1pm, or 5pm to 6pm until 4 December.
Members of the Durham Freemasons’ leadership team, along with a group of volunteers, recently visited Feeding Families’ headquarters in Blaydon, where they helped pack and distribute food parcels to households experiencing food insecurity across the North East. During their packing shift, the team set a record for the organisation, packing more than 270 boxes in a single session.
This Christmas, Feeding Families will provide crucial support to more than 8,000 households in the region. Working closely with local agencies and partner organisations, the charity delivers Essential Food Boxes and support packages to people in crisis. Feeding Families is built on the belief that no one should go hungry and that everyone deserves dignity, hope and security in meeting their basic food needs.
Wayne Dobson, CEO of Feeding Families, said: “Having the support of Durham Freemasons this Christmas means we can reach many people in need. Their generous donation and the use of their buildings as collection points will make a real difference. We distribute around 40,000 boxes and a million items each year, so this support is vital.
“But what truly keeps Feeding Families going is our volunteers. We have a very small staff team, yet we produce hundreds of boxes every packing day this Christmas. We simply could not do that without the thousand volunteers who give their time throughout the year. The volunteers from Durham Freemasons who joined us today are right at the heart of that effort: getting hands-on, breaking down boxes, packing items and playing a vital role in the beginning of our Christmas operations. Feeding Families could not function without them.”
John Watts, Head of Durham Freemasons, added: “This is another example of Durham Freemasons getting involved in good causes across our communities, donating time, money and support for those on the margins of society. We are proud to be a force for good from the Tyne to the Tees, the Dales to the Sea.
“Our partnership with Feeding Families reflects our commitment to helping those who need it most during what can be one of the hardest times of the year. And for us, charity is not just about giving, it is about turning charity into service. Our members believe in stepping forward, engaging directly and supporting people where it matters most.”
Donations of non-perishable food items are still urgently needed and can be dropped off at participating Durham Freemasons’ halls until December 4.
Masonic Hall Collection Points are:
- Freemasons Hall, Queen Street East, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, United Kingdom, SR1 2HT
- Shildon Masonic Hall, Middleton Road, Shildon DL4 1NN
- Stockton Masonic Hall, Wellington Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1RD
- Billingham Masonic Hall, 32 Mill Lane, Billingham, TS23 1HF
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
