To many children in North Battleford and area, the Shriners are best known for hosting the Shrine Circus that entertains children and families in North America.
But the chirlden who plan to attend the Wa Wa Shrine Circus at the North Battleford Civic Centre on May 23 - one show only at 7:00 p.m. - might also be interested in knowing about the wide range of activities Shriners do to better the lives of children and others beyond the circus ring.
The Wa Wa Shriners were established in Saskatchewan on July 12, 1911 when a group of Saskatchewan-based Shriners from across the province were granted their own temple of centre. It was the 123rd temple that was part of the original Shriners organization established in New York City in 1872. Shriners International now has 193 temples in six different countries.
One of the more notable Shriners initiatives was the establishment in 1922 of the Shriners Hospitals for Children. This network of hospitals serves children who need specialized treatments for orthopaedic, spinal cord, burns and cleft lip and palate conditions.
There are now 22 Shriners hospitals that are operated without regard to race, colour, creed, sex or sect and regardless of the patient or family's ability to pay.
In Saskatchewan, the Shriners support the Wa Wa Shrine Patient Transportation Fund, a recognized Canadian charity that provides transport and support for the patient and their parent or guardian to attend whichever hospital can best treat the needs of the patient. The Shriners Hospitals for Children then assumes the costs associated with the treatments.
When a child is chosen to be a Shriner's Kid, they receive treatment up to and including their 18th birthday. Wa Wa Shriners are currently supporting 67 Saskatchewan children and their families.
Anyone who is aware of a child that the Shriners Hospitals might be able to help, or would like more information about Shriners or becoming a Shriner, can call Wa Wa Shriners at 1-866-699-wawa (9292) or visit the website at www.wawashriners.org, or beashrinenow.com.
