From Christmas lunches to companionship, people in need are being supported with the help of a funding boost this festive season.

Durham Freemasons are putting charity into action in Sunderland this Christmas, supporting homeless, lonely, and vulnerable people across the city through practical help, funding, and volunteering.

Martin Rankin (Left) and Andrew Foster (Right) get in some serving practice with Malcolm Watson and Caroline Ellis from the 'Wear Here to Help at Christmas' group. [Picture: Keith Blundy] | (Picture: Keith Blundy)

placeholder image — Martin Rankin (Left) and Andrew Foster (Right) get in some serving practice with Malcolm Watson and Caroline Ellis from the 'Wear Here to Help at Christmas' group. [Picture: Keith Blundy] | (Picture: Keith Blundy)

Across the wider region, Freemasons are giving their time on Christmas Day through a range of activities, from serving meals in Spennymoor to offering companionship to those most in need in Sunderland.

This reflects a hands-on commitment to supporting people at the most difficult time of year.

Support has also included a children’s Christmas party in South Shields, where 72 children enjoyed a festive celebration.

In Sunderland, a £1,500 grant from the Durham Freemasons Charity is supporting the “Wear Here to Support You This Christmas” programme, helping volunteers continue to provide free Christmas lunches, entertainment, and companionship to those most in need.

The grant was formally presented to the Wear Here to Support You This Christmas programme at Sunderland Queen Street Masonic Hall, the oldest purpose-built and continuously used Masonic Hall in the world. This highlighted both the city’s historic roots in Freemasonry and its ongoing commitment to community service.

Martin Rankin presents the grant award of £1,500 to Malcolm Watson, surrounded by volunteers from the "Wear Here to Help at Christmas' group and by members of the Durham Freemasons Community. [Picture: Keith Blundy] | (Picture: Keith Blundy)

Malcolm Watson, Chair of Wear Here to Support You This Christmas, said:“At Christmas, many statutory services are reduced or closed, leaving some of the most vulnerable people with very little support. The backing we receive from Durham Freemasons helps fill that gap at a time when it really matters.”

Andrew Foster, Deputy Head of Durham Freemasons, said: “This Christmas, Freemasons in Sunderland are showing that charity is more than writing a cheque. It is about giving time, effort, and care. By supporting initiatives like Wear Here to Support You This Christmas and volunteering directly in our communities, we are helping to ensure no one is left behind.”

Martin Rankin, Assistant Head of Durham Freemasons and Chair of the Durham Freemasons Charity, said: “At Christmas, it is vital that people facing hardship or loneliness feel supported and valued. By backing projects like this and giving our time locally, we are putting charity into action where it is needed most.”

Alongside this support, Durham Freemasons have also backed Feeding Families collections in Sunderland, helping local households access food and essential supplies during the festive season.