On the 14th of October, 2023, at 9 PM, a small group of dedicated walkers embarked on a challenging 60-kilometre journey from London to Chatham. This remarkable event marked the 7th consecutive year of the ‘One Big Family’ Soup to Soup sponsored walk, a gruelling overnight challenge that pushes its participants to their limits. Among the participants, our esteemed Director of Ceremonies, W Bro Ken Quarrington, took part, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to a cause that provides essential support to those in need.
The ‘One Big Family‘ Soup to Soup sponsored walk is more than just a physical test of endurance; it is a vital source of fundraising for the charity. This charity’s mission is clear and impactful: to assist those who are homeless or vulnerably housed, providing crucial services such as food parcels, appointment support, street outreach, and a soup kitchen. In the Medway area, the charity operates Dukes House, offering temporary accommodation to individuals in need. Here, clients not only find shelter but also receive valuable training in life skills, including managing bank accounts, understanding benefits, budgeting, and developing cooking skills, as they prepare to transition to permanent housing.
W Bro Ken Quarrington’s participation in this event reflects a deeper commitment to the ‘One Big Family’ Soup to Soup charity’s mission and values. His involvement shines a light on the dedication and compassion that Freemasons bring to charitable endeavours, both locally and on a broader scale. The ‘One Big Family’ Soup to Soup walk is not merely a physical challenge but a symbolic gesture of solidarity and support for those who find themselves on the fringes of society, struggling to meet their basic needs.
The 60-kilometre journey from London to Chatham is a metaphorical representation of the difficult path that many homeless and vulnerably housed individuals navigate daily. It serves as a powerful reminder that the journey to recovery and stability can be long and arduous. By participating in this event, W Bro Ken Quarrington and his fellow walkers bring attention to the struggles faced by these individuals and the tireless efforts of the ‘One Big Family’ Soup to Soup charity to alleviate their hardships.
The funds raised from the ‘One Big Family’ Soup to Soup walk play a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of the charity. Without the support generated by this event, it would be challenging to provide the wide range of services that the charity offers. From distributing food parcels to empowering clients with essential life skills, the ‘One Big Family’ Soup to Soup charity truly makes a difference in the lives of those it serves.
W Bro Ken Quarrington’s involvement in the walk embodies the spirit of Freemasonry, which places a strong emphasis on charity and community service. By participating in this physically demanding journey, he exemplifies the Masonic principles of intedrity, friendship, respect and service.
In conclusion, the 7th annual ‘One Big Family’ Soup to Soup sponsored walk, in which our Director of Ceremonies W Bro Ken Quarrington participated, is more than just a charity event. It symbolizes a commitment to helping the most vulnerable in our society, echoing the values of Freemasonry. The funds raised from this endeavour will continue to support the ‘One Big Family’ Soup to Soup charity’s noble mission and ensure that individuals facing homelessness and housing instability receive the assistance they need to rebuild their lives. W Bro Ken Quarrington’s participation serves as a shining example of the positive impact that individuals can make when they come together for a common cause.