A WALLED garden project is appealing for people to vote online to help it receive a £25,000 Community Award from the Freemasons.

As part of Freemasonry’s 300th anniversary celebrations, the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) is distributing £3 million to 300 charities across the country and Erlas Victorian Walled Garden in Wrexham is one of those selected.

Each of the nominated charities will receive a grant, but the public vote will determine how much they receive – ranging from £4,000 to £25,000.

Those who want to vote should visit mcf.org.uk/vote, select the Wales, North province page and vote for Erlas Victorian Walled Garden.

 Voting runs until Monday,
July 31.

Dr Stan Moore, chairman at Erlas Victorian Walled Garden, said: “A grant of £25,000 would make a huge difference to our work.

“I would urge anyone and everyone to go online and vote for Erlas Victorian Walled Garden, Wrexham. Please remember that every single vote counts”.

Students can obtain accredited horticultural qualifications and other life skills within purposely constructed facilities set within the grounds of a Victorian Walled Garden, which students have helped restore over the past 15 years.

During this time, more than 180 students have engaged in the garden’s restoration – many acquiring job skills and a sound work ethos, becoming more confident, with improved physical and mental health, while forging new friendships.

Many have moved on to other training opportunities and volunteer placements with some entering paid employment.

The Mason Charitable Foundation obtains all of its funding from Freemasons and their families. It is estimated half of Freemasonry’s total charitable expenditure of more than £33m goes to charities helping people in communities across the country.

Ieuan Redverts Jones, provincial grand master of North Wales Freemasons, said: “We are proud to be able to support many charities across North Wales, but in this special 300th anniversary year we want to involve the public, as well as local Freemasons, in deciding which of the nominated charities should benefit most.”