Stepping Stones DS Receives Donation From Local Freemasons
Amy from Fleet and Sophia from Tadley receive the cheque from Charity Steward Richard Pfleger, joined by Laura Chavez, Sarah Sutton, Michelle Slater and John Johnstone.
Stepping Stones DS, a charity supporting children and young adults with Down syndrome, has received a £1,000 donation from local Freemasons. The cheque was presented by Charity Steward Richard Pfleger and long‑standing Freemason John Johnstone of Elvetham Masonic Lodge.
Based in Fleet, Stepping Stones DS provides services across a wide area, stretching from West Surrey to the western edge of Basingstoke, and from the Reading and south Berkshire region down into north Hampshire. Founded in 2006, the charity offers tailored support to children and young adults with Down syndrome, as well as to their families and the professionals involved in their care. Today, around 160 children benefit from its educational, social, physical and wellbeing programmes.
The organisation operates with a small team of seven staff, supported by a dedicated board of Trustees committed to inclusion and empowerment. Together, they ensure that each child receives personalised support and access to the resources they need.
Community Fundraising and Projects Officer Sarah Sutton expressed her gratitude for the donation, noting that £1,000 can fund a full year of school outreach for one child. “Your kindness helps our outreach team promote learning, communication, independence and confidence, giving children with Down syndrome the opportunity to reach their full potential,” she said.
Elvetham Masonic Lodge
Founded 106 years ago in Hartley Wintney and now based at the Masonic Centre in Basingstoke, continues its long tradition of charitable giving. John Johnstone, a Freemason for 56 years and a Fleet resident, nominated Stepping Stones DS after seeing the impact of their work first-hand.
Richard Pfleger explained that Freemasons donate their own money rather than fundraising publicly, with Elvetham Lodge also benefiting from investment income. Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, 8,000 Freemasons donate nearly £1 million annually, contributing to the £50 million given nationwide each year.
This latest donation will support Stepping Stones DS in meeting its £220,000 annual running costs, all of which rely on public generosity.
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