The Devon Mark Charity Association recently made a grant donation to a community project based in South Molton, in North Devon. The brethren of the Fortescue Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 9 identified the project as requiring assistance, and the DMCA were happy to award some grant funding to them to purchase key items of equipment to continue running their project.

The Benita Community Project, which is a non-profit making group, was set-up to provide meals, company, events and friendship for all within the community. It was named after Benita Tanner, the late friend of one of the organisers, and although it was initially set up to address food poverty in the area, it has grown to become a vital resource for dozens of local residents. 

Now, alongside their regular community events, they offer hot meals for the town’s homeless population as well as hampers for vulnerable families, who are referred to them by local schools and social services. To help those struggling in the local community, they operate a programme of free courses, including life skills such as budgeting, finding housing, job hunting, and managing bills, as well as offering accredited courses for vocational training, helping people prepare for work via subjects such as food hygiene, childcare, and administration.

Pictured are Ioni Drake from the Benita Project alongside Worshipful Brother Peter Kyle of the Fortescue Mark Lodge, with the cheque for £200.