Shriners International

Shriners are well known for their distinctive red fezzes and for zipping around in mini-cars during parades and festivals. But, delve a little deeper into Shriners International, and you will find a rich history of fellowship, community involvement and helping kids defy the odds through their official philanthropy, Shriners Hospitals for Children.

In 1872, 13 men, all Masons, gathered together with the idea of starting a new fraternity based on the Masonic principles of truth, relief and brotherly love – but with an emphasis on fun. Around 1920, the Shriners realized having fun wasn’t enough…they wanted to give back, as well. Already active in assisting at major disaster sites, such as Jonestown and San Francisco, in the early 1900s, the group worked to develop a cause of their own to support. In 1922, Shriners established the first Shriners Hospital for Children in Shreveport, La., to treat orthopaedic conditions related to polio, the greatest threat to children’s health at the time.

Today, the Shriners fraternity continues to support Shriners Hospitals for Children, which has grown into an international system of 22 pediatric specialty hospitals focusing on the treatment of orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. And for 86 years, that expert medical care has been provided at no charge to patients and their families. Fraternity members also continue to be active in countless community service projects and partner with schools, firefighters, law enforcement and other groups to help disseminate safety and health information.

Today, Shriners International has 375,000 members and 191 temples (chapters) in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Republic of Panama, with Shrine Clubs all over the world. The commitment to fun and fellowship is still intact, with special interest groups for men who enjoy flying, classic cars, photography, Hamm radio, computer technology, winemaking, outdoor sports and more.

Men from all walks of life find fun, fellowship and family activities with Shriners International. For more information on how to become involved, visit www.shrinershq.org..