Essex Freemasons answer the call from Essex Voluntary Blood Service (EVBS)
Printer to assist Essex Voluntary Blood Service (EVBS), knows as Blood Bikes secured
Essex Voluntary Blood Service (EVBS), https://www.essexvoluntarybloodservice.com, more commonly known as “Blood Bikes” or “Blood Runners”, needed a new printer to print their identification and accreditation cards. This was picked up by Andrew Stevens of Wennington Chapter No. 4559 of Royal Arch Masons which meets at Upminster Masonic Hall and was supported by the Essex Provincial Charity Fund to the amount £350, and money was donated within 5 days!
EVBS is a small voluntary organisation under HMRC small organisations that primarily delivers whole blood but is also asked to carry emergency plasma, medication or medical samples to hospital departments and patients across Essex, East Anglia and Greater London. They operate with volunteer riders and drivers, giving not only their time with no remuneration from the EVBS but also their experience, to this small voluntary organisation. EVBS only owns three bikes, one car and a trailer. All members are responsible for their own costs in delivering this essential work. The organisation has liveried motorcycles and cars which if requested by the hospital can operate on a restricted blue light service. This emergency service is not permitted to be undertaken on any vehicle privately registered with the DVLA.
“Blood Bikes” started in Essex in 2008 and is currently run by Carol Weller, Chair, and her daughter, Rebecca. She has done this for the last 14 years! On call 24/7 they coordinate the volunteers and the fund-raising form their home in Wivenhoe. To do this they need around £60,000 per year to support the volunteers.
Carol said that “The speed with which the call was answered by Freemasons was impressive. We have had other donations from Essex Freemasons over the years and we thank them all. Some of our volunteers are Freemasons as well.”
Chris Hicks, Provincial Charity Steward, said that “We try to react as quickly as we can and the turnaround for this was quick and efficient, just like to service offered by the “Blood Bikes”, these volunteer services need support to complete their important work.”
“Blood Bikes” can only operate with the help of volunteers, and they are always looking for more, if you would like to help, please contact Carol though the website.
Photos:
Top (L-R): Carol Weller (Chair and Trustee), Chris Hicks (Provincial Charity Steward), Rebecca Weller (Vice-Chair and Trustee), Mike Barrett (Provincial Charity Team)
Bottom (L-R): Keith Weller (Trustee and volunteer), Mike Carr (Trustee and volunteer) at Essex & Herts Air Show 2023