Orsett Masonic Community Fund roll up their sleeves for Purfleet Pantry
Essex Freemasons step in to help improve facilities at the Purfleet-on-Thames Community Pantry
Members of the Orsett Masonic Community Fund swapped suits and regalia for hard hats, hi-vis vests and dust masks as they volunteered their time and skills to help improve facilities at the Purfleet-on-Thames Community Pantry.
On an early Saturday morning, nine members of the Orsett Masonic Community Fund gathered at the Pantry to undertake a significant building project designed to create a larger and more practical storage area for the organisation. The work involved removing internal walls, clearing large quantities of rubble and constructing a new wall to transform a series of smaller rooms into one much larger storeroom.
The project was completed entirely free of charge. Skilled tradesmen donated their expertise and labour, while other volunteers supported the work by moving materials, clearing debris and keeping the tea flowing.
The improvements will provide the Pantry with much-needed storage space, helping it to operate more efficiently and support even more local people.
The Purfleet-on-Thames Community Pantry is part of a growing network of community pantries that help local residents access affordable groceries, fresh produce and household essentials through a low-cost membership scheme. Alongside helping families make their budgets go further, pantries also play an important role in reducing food waste, encouraging community connections and providing a welcoming environment where people can access support and advice.
The project was organised by Steve Bruyel, Deputy Provincial Grand Charity Steward and Chairman of the Orsett Masonic Community Fund.
"The Pantry does tremendous work for the local community," Steve explained. "When I heard about their plans to create additional storage space, I knew we had members with the skills and experience to help. It was fantastic to see everyone pulling together, and this is just one of many community projects we have planned for the future."
The Orsett Masonic Community Fund was established to provide practical support to local good causes and community groups. This latest project demonstrates how Freemasons can contribute not only through charitable donations, but also through the gift of time, skills and teamwork.
By the end of the day, the Pantry had gained a significantly improved storage facility that will help support its valuable work for years to come. It is another example of Essex Freemasons putting community at the heart of what they do.
The Purfleet-on-Thames Community Pantry operates through a partnership between Thurrock Council, Thurrock Community and Voluntary Services and the Purfleet-on-Thames Community Forum, working together to support local people and strengthen the wider community.
Read more about the Purfleet-on-Thames pantry together with the network of community pantries throughout the UK by clicking this link https://www.yourlocalpantry.co.uk/pantry-listings/purfleet-community-pantry-essex/
Photos:
Top: Some of the Orsett Masonic Community Fund members in their working gear getting ready for action! L - R - Gary Tucker, Steve Bruyel, Graham Hill, Steve Westbrook
Left group: Members at work Top Left: Steve evaluating Top right: Sam Connor having a smashing time Bottom left: The area coming together Bottom right: Graham and Steve constructing the new wall
Right: The new storage area becoming operational
