We want the exposure because we want to help kids. That's what we do . . . The Shriners organization is one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the world. Assistance is given to children without regard to race, religion or even financial circumstances. The Shriners organization does not accept government assistance, nor does it accept co-payments from medical insurers.
Members raise or put up the funds to support the programs.
The Shrine of North America is an international fraternity of approximately 515,000 members throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada and France. The average age of a Shriner worldwide is about 40, but on Maui it's about 75. And we're not replacing ourselves. But while people may think of Shriners as being a group of seniors who wear tasseled fezzes and drive minicars in parades, they're much more. There are benefits to being a Shriner besides feeling good about helping children.