Short History of the Shriners

 

The Shriners are a charity founded by Freemasons in the US in 1872 to help seriously ill children.

 

In 1922 they opened the first own children's hospital.

 

Today, that philanthropic effort helps support Shriners Hospitals for Children, a health care system with locations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Children up to age 18 (and in some cases, up to age 21) with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care.

 

Within these broad service lines, many types of care are provided. For example, some locations offer reconstructive plastic surgery, treatment for craniofacial abnormalities or care for sports injuries.

 

All services are provided in a compassionate, family-centered environment.

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Today the Shriners have about 350`000 members worldwide.