Essex Freemasons Strengthen Community Ties with Sky-High Donation to Essex Air Ambulance

Rainham Lodge members tour Earls Colne airbase and present £4,750 to support life-saving operations

Community spirit was at the heart of a recent visit by members of Rainham Lodge who gathered at the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) Visitors Centre at Earls Colne airbase to deliver a remarkable £4,750 donation. This contribution, raised through the collective efforts of lodge members, their families, and friends, highlights the powerful impact of Freemasonry’s commitment to supporting local causes.

On 22nd February, members of the lodge, who meet at Orsett Masonic Centre in Thurrock—alongside their wives and friends—were warmly welcomed by Clair Mitchell, Senior Fundraising Coordinator, and Peter Hennesey, an EHAAT volunteer and tour guide. The highlight of the visit was the presentation of the donation, the result of a year-long fundraising campaign led by Anil Shastri and his wife, Helen.

Recognising the importance of community-driven support, Anil and Helen dedicated their year to raising funds for EHAAT and other local initiatives. Their efforts included raffles, auctions, an afternoon tea, a karaoke night, and a curry night, with every event serving as an opportunity to bring people together in support of a vital cause. Collection cans and donation buckets also played a role, demonstrating the power of small, consistent contributions from the community.

This significant donation will directly support EHAAT’s specialist pre-hospital care teams, who operate 24/7 to provide life-saving emergency medical services across Essex and Hertfordshire. With limited government funding and no National Lottery support, the air ambulance relies on public donations to continue its essential work. The lodge members’ visit reinforced the importance of community engagement, as they saw firsthand how their support helps EHAAT’s highly skilled crews reach critically ill patients in rapid time—whether by helicopter during the day or via rapid response vehicles at night.

Beyond the donation, Rainham Lodge continues to prioritise hands-on involvement in charitable initiatives. Their ‘Boys’ Breakfast Club’ (BBC) regularly brings members together to personally deliver funds to local causes, ensuring that their support remains both meaningful and visible in the community.

Essex Freemasonry is more than just fundraising—it’s about actively engaging with and strengthening the communities in which we live. The visit to EHAAT was a powerful reminder of the impact that collective goodwill can have, not just in raising funds, but in fostering real connections with the people and organisations dedicated to saving lives.

A huge congratulations to Anil, the Rainham Lodge members, and EHAAT for their tireless dedication to making a difference!

-ENDS-