Making a big difference through charitable giving can often come from the smallest of gifts, as the KMBF recently demonstrated.
Singing for the Brain is a free singing group for those living with dementia and other memory challenges and their carers. As is well known, many individuals living with dementia can continue to sing when their ability to communicate generally has become greatly impaired. Following an approved Alzheimer’s Society programme, it is a wonderful, fun activity combining all the benefits of singing with tea/coffee and cake!
Photo Credit:St John The Evangelist Church, Sidcup.
The Sidcup group, which meets on Tuesday afternoons at the town’s St John The Evangelist Church adjoining the Shirley Woolmer Masonic Hall, were recently in contact with Lodge Chaplain, Greg Dunham who then spoke with Steve Dunsdon, Charity Steward of The Lord Harris Mark & Royal Ark Mariner Lodges. The group’s Liz Tragheim explained that they were in need of some hard-wearing tablecloths to protect the tables used in the “coffee & cake” elements of the sessions. Not a huge request, but one that would make a noticeable difference to all involved.
Steve petitioned the KMBF, under its joint-funding scheme, to see if it would be able to top-up the £150 donated by the two Lodges, £100 from the Mark Lodge & £50 form the Royal Ark Mariners. This was gladly agreed by the KMBF Trustees, with both sums being paid into the KMBF Relief Chest and the KMBF donating the remaining £151.96 and transferring a total of £301.96 to purchase the tablecloths. A relatively small amount, but one that will undoubtedly be a force for good.
Liz recently got in touch with us, saying: “Please could you pass on our thanks to the Kent Mark Benevolent Fund for the generous donation of money for tablecloths. It always provides the group with such a boost to know that others are thinking of them during the challenging time of living with dementia. They should provide a ray of sunshine around the room.”
KMBF Lead Trustee, John Shervington added: “We were delighted to support this simple request, which highlights that it is often the little things that make the biggest difference.”