Harte Lodge Supports The Christmas Child Appeal

October 2012

At Harte Lodge we are constantly looking for a ways to bring Freemasonry to the Community. Then one day our Almoner WBro John Meggision was talking to our Honorary member WBro Joseph Dunn who had not been too well and was discussing how he was looking forward to spending time In the warehouse In October and November working on the Charitable shoe boxes donated by the public for the Samaritan Operation Christmas Child shoe box appeal. The box is a used shoe box filled essentially full of useful items for a small child such as soap, toothpaste, pens, toys, gloves, sweets etc,

The warehouse is a central location in Sunderland which receives almost 15,000 boxes for the Teesside and Sunderland areas and is organised by Gail Watson whom Joe has worked with for many years. the operation is a worldwide event and this year the charity celebrates its 22nd year, Operation Christmas Child has delivered 94 million shoeboxes to needy children in over 100 countries.

After this conversation it gave John and idea that at his forthcoming 60th Birthday instead of the standard presents he would ask his guests for a shoe box donation. Also on mentioning this to the Brethren of Harte Lodge 4217 the Charity Steward John Thompson proposed that £150 be donated by the Lodge in order for the Lodge to make up boxes and also donate on the night.

As you can see from the pictures the night was a Success, Gail Watson received over 60 shoe boxes with pleasure and also the Brethren of Harte Lodge held a raffle with donated a further £100 to the appeal.

We estimated that approx £1000 was donated in money and gifts to fill the shoe boxes, WBro Joseph Dunn was present on the evening with his wife Eileen and was delighted with the support he had received from Harte Lodge for a charity close to his Heart.

regards

John Thompson
Charity Steward Harte Lodge 4217

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