Plymouth Freemasons looking to improve on last year's shoebox appeal for the homeless

Well with Christmas fast approaching and the weather turning colder, it’s at this time our thoughts turn to those less fortunate than us and for many Plymouth Freemasons that is the homeless.

Last year, W. Bro. Andy Hazell packaged 50 shoe boxes with essential items that homeless people would need. He included items such as hat, gloves, toothpaste and tooth brush, wipes,  and the list went on. The packaged shoeboxes were donated to the Shekinah Mission Plymouth for distribution to those with the greatest need.

This year with the support of his lodge, The St. John’s Masonic lodge, Mannadon, Andy is going to do the same but this year he wants to add to this by providing Christmas lunch for 50 as well.

Andy has spoken to Rodger and Barbara the catering team from the Mount Edgecombe Masonic Hall in Citadel Road East and they have agreed a great price. The plan is to give up to 50 homeless a two course meal with soft drinks (no alcohol to be served) and this would be on a Sunday afternoon in December with volunteers waiting on the tables.

To enable this to become a reality Andy is now looking for help and support amongst the other lodges that meet in Plymouth and like last year is confident he will get it.

With everybody’s help he raised over £300 last year and would love to do better this year. For the sake of the people he is desperate to help, let’s hope his dream can become a reality.