Cross Keys Community Fund brings warmth to Essex
Hands on Community Engagement with 300 thermos flasks delivered by hand to those in need
The Cross Keys Community Fund (CKCF), led by Essex Provincial Community Engagement Lead, David Barton, has completed a major winter initiative by purchasing 300 thermos flasks and delivering them by hand to frontline homeless charities in Chelmsford and Thurrock.
The CKCF is funded by the nine Lodges, Chapters, and Orders that meet at the Cross Keys Masonic Hall, through annual donations and ongoing fundraising activities. The CKCF model has increasingly been viewed as a blueprint that other Masonic temples are now looking to replicate.
The flasks were distributed personally by David to Sanctus, The Salvation Army, and Friends of Essex and London Homeless, three organisations providing essential warmth, food, and support for people facing homelessness across the region. David played a fully hands-on role, ensuring every delivery reached the charities directly and meeting many of the individuals who would benefit from the support. At Friends of Essex and London Homeless, David was joined by CKCF member Steve Hall, who assisted with the distribution and met with volunteers and service users on site.
Sanctus was first introduced to David by Julie Fosh, the High Sheriff of Essex, and they have collaborated on numerous community initiatives since, from dementia cafés to children’s charities, demonstrating the strength of civic partnerships and the value of direct community involvement.
The importance of this support is reflected in rising need across Essex and the wider region. Rough sleeping has increased again nationally, and frontline charities are seeing more people rely on them for basic warmth, safety, and stability. In those circumstances, something as simple as a thermos flask becomes more than a convenience, it is a practical tool that helps someone stay warm, hydrated, and able to cope through long periods outdoors.
At Sanctus, Hub Manager Sarah Coppin explained the value clearly: “A warm drink can make a real difference to someone who’s cold, tired, or hasn’t slept. Items like thermos flasks are simple but genuinely useful, and they go straight to the people who need them most.”
During his visits, David spoke with staff, volunteers and service users at each location. He commented: “Community engagement isn’t something we talk about from a distance; it’s something we live. Volunteering, showing up, and spending time with the charities and the people who use their wonderful services is essential. It reminds us why this work matters and why every act of kindness, no matter how small, strengthens the fabric of our Province.”
The CKCF’s ongoing winter ‘hands-on’ programme includes the Annual Christmas Party for disadvantaged children from local primary schools and the women’s refuge, as well as a Brass Band Choir Concert at local care homes.
Further reading of the relative charities can be found here:
Sanctus https://sanctus-home.com/
Salvation Army https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/
Friends of Essex and London Homeless https://www.foelh.com/
Photos:
Top: David Barton at Friends of Essex and London Homeless
Left: David distributing flasks at Sanctus in Chelmsford
Right: David with Sanctus Hub Manager Sarah Coppin
