THE YORKSHIRE MASON SUMMER 2024 5
Redcar and Cleveland is ranked as the 62nd most
deprived local authority area (out of 317 local
authority areas) in England in the 2019 Indices of
Deprivation. Children born into low-income
households often struggle to maintain progress as
similar age groups in more affluent areas. In Redcar
and Cleveland only 13 out of every 20 children
starting school are achieving their developmental
milestones.
The grant from Yorkshire, North & East Ridings
Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable
Foundation, funded by Freemasons, their families
and friends, from across England and Wales.
Ruth Fox, Chief Executive Officer at Footprints in the
Community, said:
“We’re very grateful to Yorkshire North & East Ridings
Freemasons for their generous grant. We work with
children from some of the poorest households in the
country, many of whom are in urgent need of
assistance, whether it’s baby clothes, Summer
holiday lunches or help with reading. Thanks to the
Freemasons we can give many more children and
families the help they need.”
Assistant Provincial Grand Master Martin Eggermont
said:
“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help
Footprints in the Community with their hugely
important projects, giving much needed help to
struggling and isolated local children and families.
This wonderful charity gives crucial support where
it’s most required to some of the most vulnerable
people in our community.”
Left: The Footprints team with YNER Freemasons: L to R: Des
McKenzie; Marij McLay - Family Projects Coordinator; Ruth Fox –
Footprints CEO; Christine McIlvenny -Volunteer; Sue Riley - First
Steps Warehouse Coordinator Volunteer; Chris Ansell; Martin
Eggermont; Janet Green – Volunteer.
Right Top: Martin Eggermont and Footprints CEO Ruth Fox;
Right Centre: Martin Eggermont, Marij McLay and Chris Ansell;
Right Bottom: Des, Ruth, Martin, Marij and Chris
Photographs: John Rees