Both national and local charities are set to benefit from money raised by Gloucestershire Freemasons.
The organisation has raised £1.75million during a five-year fund-raising drive.
Speaking at a celebratory gala near Cirencester, Tim Henderson-Ross, provincial grand master for Gloucestershire, confirmed the money would go beyond masonic charities.
“It will benefit the wider Gloucestershire community, hopefully helping to dispel the myth that Freemasons only look after themselves.
“You Gloucestershire masons have risen to the challenge,“delivering a tremendous result. In so doing, you will help those less fortunate than ourselves; spreading a little happiness and leaving the world better than we found it.”
Dame Jane Trotter, Lord-Lieutenant for Gloucestershire, described the Freemasons as 'a force for good'.
To mark Dame Janet's retirement from office, Mr Edward Gillespie OBE DL has now succeeded her, the masons presented her with a cheque for £5,000 to go to a charity of her choice.
The money will go to The Cyber Trust who protect those at risk in the area of personal cyber and online security.
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