Freemasons in Oxfordshire continue to donate large sums of money to charity. That support not only includes Masonic charities but extends to many other non-Masonic charities and International Appeals. They also participate in local fundraising ventures and worthwhile causes.

On behalf of the Provincial Grand Master can I again thank you for your tremendous efforts in donating such magnificent sums to charity. I have shown some of the figures below so that you too can feel as pleased as I do and give yourselves a pat on the back. All figures relate to the year ended 31 December 2009 and during that year our charitable giving exceeded over one hundred and fourteen thousand pounds.

The Oxfordshire 2011 Festival in aid of the Masonic Samaritan Fund has set us a challenge - to raise £1.2M in six years. Our aim for 2009 was to try and reach the £1 million mark by 31 December. I am pleased to report that we had raised that amount by 30 November and I am confident that our final target will be achieved. Regular Newsletters are being published regularly throughout the 2011 Festival to keep you informed of the progress. A number of successful fundraising events have already taken place and more are planned. You have taken up the challenge and we now need to maintain the momentum.