THE charity Ilkley and District Good Neighbours, which has continued supporting older and vulnerable local residents during the pandemic, has been given a donation by the Yorkshire West Riding Freemasonry sponsored by Olicana Lodge.

“We’re very grateful for this financial contribution of £1000 which will help with the additional costs we faced in providing services during the coronavirus pandemic,” said the charity’s chairman Penny Coulthard.

“The last six months has been a difficult time for many of our local residents, some of them isolated and unable to go out, and we’ve had to increase our efforts to ensure they received adequate support. Our Shop and Drop for example is currently helping around 40 people each week with their shopping, and our Moving On and Befriending service is calling around 70 individuals each week offering a friendly chat and checking on their welfare. We will continue supporting those who need assistance in our community and donations such as this will undoubtedly help.”

Olicana Freemasons charity steward John Hutchinson said: “ One of the principal aims of Freemasonry is to provide donations to charities and community groups deserving of financial assistance. In these difficult times our focus has been directed to those organisations whose support and workload has increased as a result of the pandemic and who are in need of increased financial help to meet this demand. Ilkley Good Neighbours are providing the vulnerable and disadvantaged in society with vital support, particularly at the present time, and Olicana Freemasons are delighted to make this donation to help the charity carry on with their very important and excellent work.”

Although the Corona Helpline has for the moment been stood down, anyone can still get support by calling the Bradford Council helpline on 01274 431000 or NHS Responders on 0808 196 3646.

For information on Ilkley Good Neighbours visit www.goodneighboursilkley.org or call 01943 603348.