We are delighted to announce that local Freemasons have donated £17,000 to fund outreach groups run by Support for the Sick Newborn And their Parents (SSNAP). Jointly funded by the Berkshire Masonic Charity, Oxfordshire Freemasons and with matched funding from the MCF, this grant will fund SSNAPs entire ‘Little Ssnaplings’ outreach programme across Berkshire and Oxfordshire for a full year and signifies a major milestone in expanding their community work.
This collaboration will enable SSNAP to broaden their reach, improve their services, and ensure that families facing challenging circumstances receive the support and care they rightfully deserve. Already active in locations such as Wantage and Wallingford, this additional funding will enable them to double their service, offering both baby and toddler groups eight times a month and to explore the feasibility of further pop-up playgroups across Oxfordshire and Berkshire.
SSNAP Charity Lead Martin Realey said “The collaboration between SSNAP and the Freemasons underscores a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable babies and their parents post discharge from specialized care. Freemasons, renowned for their philanthropic endeavours and dedication to community service, bring a wealth of resources and a spirit of compassion to this partnership.”
Provincial Grand Master for Berkshire, Anthony Howlett-Bolton said “Charity is a central aspect of Freemasonry and we are delighted to have been able to facilitate such a significant grant to such a worthy local organisation. Many of our members have family experience of SSNAP, having benefitted from their work in relation to their own children and grandchildren. In the light of this, it is especially pleasing to be able to support their work and to ensure it reaches all who need it in our local communities”
