Shriners International A Century of Commitment and Hope

Shriners International: A Century of Commitment and Hope

In 1872, Master Masons Walter M Fleming a physician and Billy Florence an actor founded Shriners International in New York City Originally named the “Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,” it was informally known as the “Shriners of North America.”

The fraternity’s most distinctive symbol is the red fez with a black tassel Its name derives from the city of Fez, Morocco, and was inspired by a “One Thousand and One Nights” themed party attended by Florence in Europe.

IIn 1919, Freeland Kendrick proposed establishing a hospital to provide free medical care to children suffering from the aftereffects of polio. This initiative later developed into a nationwide paediatric healthcare system in America. The first hospital was inaugurated in 1922 in Shreveport, Louisiana Chapters were established in Canada (1888), Mexico (1907) and Panama (1918). In recent years, chapters have been founded in Puerto Rico and the Philippines (2010), Germany (2011), Brazil (2015), Bolivia (2018), and more recently in Peru, Uruguay, Spain, Australia, and Lebanon

To become a Shriner, one must first be a Master Mason. The organisation is founded upon core values such as brotherhood, family, empathy, and service to others, with the overarching mission to improve the world through dedicated care for children.

Shriner Temples: A Global Legacy of Commitment and Brotherhood

Guided by Masonic principles, the Shriners transcend borders. They are present on six continents and across fifteen countries, making a tangible impact worldwide

Shriners Hospitals: A Journey of Hope

On 12 May 1922, in Shreveport, Louisiana, a historic milestone was achieved with the laying of the cornerstone for the first Shriners Hospital. Since then, this pioneering institution has expanded into one of the largest paediatric healthcare systems in the world Shriners Children’s It also conducts high-quality, innovative research in the fields of burns, orthopaedics, musculoskeletal and neurological injuries and conditions, with the aim of enhancing care and improving the quality of life for affected children. Additionally, it provides training for professionals in the health sciences

Since its inception, Shriners Children’s has cared for 1 5 million children Its commitment remains steadfast: to deliver specialised medical care to children and their families, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance coverage

Pediatric Specialities at Shriners Hospitals: Caring for Children with Precision

The Shriners focus on specific paediatric conditions, driven by their philanthropic dedication and the origins of their specialised healthcare system for minors: Shriners Children’s The primary conditions treated include:

· Gait abnormalities

Arthrogryposis

· Burn care

Pediatric surgery

Colorectal and gastrointestinal (GI) care

· Spine and spinal cord conditions

Care coordination

· Craniofacial conditions

Wound care and skin disorders

· Hip dysplasia

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

· Sports medicine

Accessory navicular

· Orthopedics

Abnormal posture

Radiology and diagnostic imaging

· Rheumatology

Early childhood services

· Interpretation services

Pediatric orthotics and prosthetics services (POPS)

· Amniotic band syndrome

Pediatric therapy and rehabilitation

Social Impact and Shriners Chile Membership Insights

Shriners pursue their philanthropic mission through various means: volunteering at medical facilities, fundraising activities, and assisting in referring children in need of specialised care They also support the growth of the fraternity by recruiting new members and actively engaging in local chapters.

To become a Shriner, one must first be a Master Mason. However, membership extends beyond philanthropy; it is fundamentally about personal development and genuine fellowship Within this organisation, enduring friendships are forged whilst supporting the mission of the Shriners

Being both a Master Mason and a Shriner signifies belonging to an organisation with over a century and a half of dedication and service to children making a tangible difference through individual effort It provides access to a venerable brotherhood where hearts are healed, smiles flourish, and lives are transformed

With solemnity and purpose, the Chilean Master Mason is invited to cross this threshold because in every step and act, a legacy of hope is created, helping to make the world a brighter place.