By Glenn Hicks

P.A. Shriners new president aims for wider public awareness

Nov 22, 2017 | 7:36 AM

The Shriners are about a lot more than a bunch of old men in fancy hats.

That’s one of the key messages from the incoming president of the Prince Albert Shrine Club.

“A lot of people are aware of the Shriners as a bunch of old guys riding our little scooters wearing our red fez in parades around the province” Stuart Dawson said. “We are indeed known for that but we do much more.”

Dawson, who lives at Emma Lake, was sworn in by the club last Saturday during the installation of officers for 2018.

In light of volunteer fatigue and an ageing membership, he has set himself the goal of expanding their numbers and reaching out to younger people. Part of that drive will be to better inform the public about what they do.

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“We donate tens of thousands of dollars to about ten organisations in the area,” he said, “That includes a seniors home and the Victoria Hospital Foundation among others.”

Their main source of fundraising is through bingo, but the major beneficiary of the club’s efforts are the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.

There’s a network of 22 hospitals in North America which help children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate. The children receive all services in a family-centred environment regardless of the patient’s ability to pay.

 “The family of these children pay nothing for this service including airfare, transportation and accommodation… it is an amazing charity,” Dawson said.

When a child is chosen to be a “Shriner Kid” they receive treatment up to their 18th birthday.

Dawson said another area he will be focusing on during his tenure as president is getting more women involved.

“Years ago there used to be a ladies group who were very active in the P.A. Shrine so we are indeed looking forward to encouraging that as well,” Dawson said. “Our ladies are a very important part of the fraternity.”

Dawson explained Shriners become members by going through the Masonic family and he’s hopeful there will be younger blood coming through.

“As we bring in new members into what’s called the Masonic Blue Lodge, once they become a Master Mason, then they are eligible to move into the shrine. We are indeed seeing more younger people in recent years joining us.”

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow