Freemasons support White Meadows Primary Academy Christmas Appeal
A West Sussex primary school has received a welcome boost to its annual Christmas appeal thanks to a donation from Sompting Lodge. Sompting Lodge 8450 has presented a £250 donation to White Meadows Primary Academy in Wick, Littlehampton, to support the school’s Christmas hamper and festive meals initiative. The cheque was formally presented by the Lodge’s current Worshipful Master, Andy Neilands during a visit to the school.
The donation will help White Meadows Primary Academy continue its long-standing tradition of supporting pupils and their families during the Christmas period. Each year, the school organises festive meals, treats and gift hampers for children who may need extra support at this time of year.
Head of Inclusion at White Meadows Primary Academy, Tina McFarlane, said the school was extremely grateful for the support.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to Sompting Lodge 8450 for their kind donation to our Christmas appeal,” she said. “For the past eight years, with the help of some incredible supporters, we have been able to assist children and their families at Christmas. While it is a magical time for many, it can also be a stressful period, and we want to help ease that pressure.”
This year, the school is preparing Christmas dinners, festive treats and gift hampers for 31 children, the highest number it has supported so far. Staff will be delivering the completed hampers on Christmas Eve, ensuring families have everything they need to enjoy a festive meal together.
“This is a tradition we feel very blessed to be able to provide and one we are hugely proud of,” Mrs McFarlane added. “While we know we can’t help everyone, our aim is to support those who really need it. The generosity of Sompting Lodge will be appreciated not only by the school, but by the children and families we support.”
Photographs supplied by the school show the hampers being prepared, along with the presentation of the cheque, marking another successful example of local organisations working together to support the community.
To find out more about Freemasonry and its charitable work, visit www.wgsm.co.uk.