The donation from the MBF will assist, as well as Julia’s House, 14 other Children Hospices across England and Wales.The PGM, who was accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. Vic Pomeroy, the PGM of the Craft, R.W.Bro. Graham Raymond Glazier, his wife Gail, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master of the Craft, W.Bro. Chris Bond, and a number of other Mark Master Masons, received a warm welcome at the hospice and were privileged to meet many of the dedicated and remarkable staff and try out some of the equipment provided by Lifelites.
This vital funding will support Lifelites new Tech Trunk project as well as an Interactive Entertainment Pod, Mobile Magic Carpet, and other technology, together with training for Julia’s House hospice staff on how to use it.
Through the magic of technology, the equipment will change the lives of hundreds of life-limited children throughout Dorset, giving them opportunities, they wouldn’t otherwise have to join in with the world around them, irrespective of their disabilities.
Sam Davis, the Head of Fundraising, and others from Lifelites were on hand to tell us all about the Charity and demonstrate the equipment. Interestingly, the Lifelites charity began in 1999 as a Masonic millennium project but now, 20 years later, it is a well-established independently registered charity maintaining firm roots as one of the Masonic family of charities.
The Tech Trunks presented are a solution created by Lifelites for Hospice at Home services across the country that deliver palliative and respite care at home, important to Julia’s House as two thirds of their care is provided out in the community.
The Tech Trunk is a wheeled case packed full of portable technologies which the staff can take with them to wherever the child needs care, giving children the opportunity to have access to this life-changing technology in their own home.
Each one is bespoke and created to meet the needs of each specific service. A typical Tech Trunk might include:
- A Magic Mobile Carpet, revolutionising the experience children have by kicking up autumn leaves or splashing about in a fishpond.
- An Eyegaze with a portable stand which helps children who may only be able to move their eyes to play games with their brothers or sisters, and even communicate as they never thought possible.
- An iPad bundle with drop-proof case packed full of specialist apps and games.
- A Beamz music player which enables fun music making for all abilities.
- A wireless Virtual Reality headset to help them to escape the confines of their condition into a land of make believe and exploration.
- Switch operated toys for simple fun and games for all abilities.
After a few hours, playing with the equipment, touring the facilities, and being well supplied with tea and cakes, all those present concluded the equipment provided by your generous donations to the Mark Benevolent Fund, and the incredible support given by Julia’s House, is quite simply magical!
WBro. R W Parkes
Provincial Grand Secretary
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