On December 7th at 11am at the Melbourne Race Track in York, local strongman Stuart Lambert pushed a sledge filled and overflowing with the toys donated by the brethren, family and friends of the Province of Yorkshire North and East Ridings for the joint YNER & Barnardo's toy appeal.

The Worshipful Master of the Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge 9611 WBro John Wilkinson dressed as Santa also hitched a ride on the sledge!

This Herculean event is the culmination of the collection of toys and money donated to this worthy and worthwhile cause. Christmas morning will now be one of joy to many children in this Province who otherwise may have had none. Early estimates are that we have donated around 5,500 toys in itself a truly Herculean and Masonic triumph.

Thank you to the Lodges, brethren, families and friends who have donated toys and money for this event it is truly inspiring, epic and a truly Masonic undertaking.

The work now really starts for the Barnardo's team of volunteers and organisers who will now shift and categorise the toys and then send out to the charities they support throughout the year. Their job never ends and it's been a privilege to be able to contribute in this epic endeavour, they are truly awe struck on the generosity of our brethren.