Those reading this not in North
America may not know or understand what Shriners are. Even many on
this continent only see the small groups or “patrols” that will often appear in
parades or at community functions and will only understand them as the “old
guys” riding motorcycles (full size and min), small or model versions of a
Model A (tin Lizzies) or as clowns. These groups are designed to heighten awareness
of the Shrine and to offer some entertainment but they are not the primary
function of the club.
Yes, the
Shrine is a club made up of members
who have become members of the Antient Order of Free and Accepted Masons.
Freemasons can be found through-out the world but the Shrine is a club unique
to North America . The primary function is to assist children (and their families) who require
specialized treatment for orthopedic and burn surgery.
There are
Shriner’s Hospitals throughout North America usually
associated with a sister facility. We only have one here in Canada ,
in Montreal , which is affiliated
with the Montreal Children’s Hospital. The Shrine
Hospital
Here in Western
Canada the various Shrine clubs are primarily concerned with
transportation and access to Shrine Hospitals in the US .
Most of the patients here in British Columbia ,
for example are bussed or flown to Portland
or Seattle depending on their
specific needs.
Lately I
have seen tables showing the amounts as a percentage of charitable donations
various groups direct toward their actual advertised function and how much goes
toward administration. In the case of the Shrine the administration – all Shriners
– are all volunteers.
The
following are excerpts from the Shriner’s Public Relations Voice for May.
June is National Safety Month, and the perfect time for
Shriners Hospitals for Children to launch its annual On Track for a Safe Summer
campaign. This campaign showcases our commitment to keeping kids safe and
injury-free, and will continue throughout the summer. With the support of
NASCAR driver, Shriner, father and national spokesperson for the campaign,
David Ragan, we hope to educate the public about the important role our health
care system plays in children’s health and their overall safety when participating
in summer activities. The On Track for a Safe Summer campaign combines public
service announcements, community outreach, media opportunities and local
activation throughout the summer to help parents reduce the risks of life threatening
and life-changing injuries to children.
Three-year-old Sapphyre Johnson and her new puppy, Lt. Dan,
have been tugging at the heartstrings of many people throughout the world
recently, making them overnight celebrities. Sapphyre, who has been a patient
at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Greenville since she was 3 months old, and
her new furry friend, have been featured on USA Today, ABC News, Good Morning
America, the Today show website, Huffington Post, New York Post, BuzzFeed, the
Rachel Ray Show and more, bringing far-reaching exposure and attention to both
the Greenville Shriners Hospital and the Shriners Hospitals health care system.
When a breeder found she had a puppy born without a paw, she decided to give
the hospital a call in hopes that he could become the special friend of a
patient there, and a staff member instantly knew Sapphyre would be perfect for
him. Born with only two fingers on each hand and one toe on each foot due to a
congenital condition, Sapphyre had both her feet amputated as a baby so that
she would be able to eventually walk with prosthetics. Sapphyre and Lt. Dan,
named after the Forrest Gump character, formed an instant bond, and quickly
became inseparable. Their story first appeared in the Greenville News and GreenvilleOnline
before it took off nationally, and then internationally.
On May 8, Shriners Hospitals for Children was featured in an
episode of the popular television show Hawaii
Five-0, which aired on CBS. The heartwarming scene was filmed at Shriners
Hospitals for Children — Honolulu ,
and provided a great opportunity for national exposure. During the show’s
season finale, Danny, played by actor Scott Caan, learned he has a son with an
autoimmune disease and came to the hospital to see if he was a bone marrow
match. The scene showed the hospital's beautiful building with its sign and
colorful lobby. The Silent Messenger statue and two Fezzy bears were also seen
by viewers. To view the entire episode, please visit
cbs.com/shows/hawaii_five_0/.
