35000 masks for the homeless the carers and the keyworkers

Parachute
Regiment
Lodge
9315

WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?

One of the oldest secular social and charitable organisations in the world, modern Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our castles and cathedrals…

The lodge has held several social events such as witnessing the Tower of London Keys ceremony a lady’s festival at a hotel usually outside of London that provides opportunity for our families to enjoy the company that these types of events provide. Importantly we maintain links with the regiment and serving soldiers.

EVENTS

Delve into the rich traditions of Freemasonry as we gather to celebrate our shared values and principles

WHERE WE MEET

Our meetings are held on the 1st Saturday of March, June, September and December, at 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ. they usually start at 11am thus providing members ample time to travel to London to join the meetings. The June meeting is the installation meeting.

ABOUT

The Parachute Regiment Lodge was consecrated on 5th June 1989. Though named for our Regiment the decision was taken not to restrict membership to serving or former members, though the majority do fit that criteria. Our membership is drawn from a wide range of military, security and civilian backgrounds who all adopt our ethos, to be the best in all that we do…

ARENA

Engage in enlightening discussions, partake in meaningful rituals, and forge lasting connections with fellow brethren

W Bro Ronald A. Wainer SLGR

The Polytechnic Lodge No 2847 is bursting with pride to mention that two of its members, Bro Aldo Bregasi and his blood brother, Bro George Bregasi, together with their friend (and soon to be another Brother, Arjanit Elezi), have donated more than 30,000 face masks for the homeless, carers and keyworkers. Moved by their generosity, the Lodge Secretary, W Bro Ron Wainer SLGR suggested that the Lodge also contribute. They raised donations to purchase an additional 5,000 masks.

The two brothers are no strangers to being poor and homeless themselves. In their youth, Aldo, George and their parents were made homeless in Corfu and lived rough on Ipsos’ streets. The family was taken in by a local lady, a Good Samaritan, who let the family live in her garage. Bro Aldo said, “George and I will never forget the kindness this lady showed us. We always like to help the less fortunate whenever the opportunity arises. With my business partner Arjanit, we decided to buy these masks to help those most in need of protection.”

They run several businesses, including a fast-food restaurant in Walsall. Before Covid struck, they kept a ‘loving table’ outside the restaurant where the homeless could sit and receive free food and hot drinks from the restaurant.

After witnessing first-hand the devastation from the Covid-19 Pandemic, Bro Aldo said: “We wanted to help not only the hungry and the homeless but also the keyworkers who have been working tirelessly with little PPE.”

The two brothers delivered the masks to the Reading Central Branch of the Salvation Army. The Minister of the Church, Major Richard Welch, started handing out masks that same day to schools, carers, the homeless, the poor and the vulnerable.

Photo: (from left to right) W Bro Colin Crosby LGR, Bro Aldo Bregasi (FC & main donator), W Bro Ron Wainer SLGR, Major Richard Welch Salvation Army Minister.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 44 April 2020 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 44.

READ ARENA 44 HERE