Shriners gather in the Sault to welcome new members
Nearly 500 Shriners and their partners from across Ontario gathered in the Sault for the philanthropic organization's annual Fall Ceremonial.
It's at this event that all new members are sworn in.
Randy McNevin, Board Chair for Shriners Ontario West, says that 11 new members, aged 28 to 66.
“They are Masons in good standings and they have petitioned to become Shriners. So we do a ceremony to initiate them and welcome them into the fraternity.”
In addition to the Ceremonial, the more than 300 members held a parade in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, for the young ones and the kids at heart.
“The parade is critical. It gives us a chance, because we brag about the Shriners being fun; well we want to be out there for the community, to show the community that we are fun. So it’s our way of saying thank you to the city and especially to the kids,” Harry Thomas, organizer of the event and Shriner from the Sault to CTV News.In addition to the Ceremonial, the more than 300 members held a parade in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, for the young ones and the kids at heart. (Cory Nordstrom/CTV News Northern Ontario)This is the first Ceremonial in 3 years because of the pandemic. Thomas noted how excited members were to see one another again.
“Having this is really important, not only to bring the new members in, but so we can reacquaint ourselves with our friends and Nobles from around the country, and people from the states that have been up,” Thomas added.
The main goal of the Shriners is to raise funds for the Shriners Hospital for Children in Montreal.
As part of the Ceremonial, visiting clubs donated over $215,000 to the main Shriner organization, with the majority of that going to the hospital.
Rene St-Arnaud is a Shriner himself and the Director of Research at the Shriner's Children's Hospital.
He says these funds are critical.
“We’re able to extend specialty care programs because of the donations. The research program, for example, is not supported by the government,” St-Arnaud explained.
It had been over 50 years since the event was last in the Sault.
To mark the occasion, the Mocha Shriners held their first ever concert series, featuring Burton Cummings, Marianas Trench and the Trews.
Funds from those shows will also go towards the Children's Hospital.
Though the exact figures haven't been calculated yet, organizers say the event was a huge success.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, Ontario police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Lack of detention space could force CBSA to release detainees, internal memo warns
The Canada Border Services Agency is scrambling to find space to hold high-risk detainees that are set to be transferred from provincial jails in June.
Allman Brothers Band co-founder and legendary guitarist Dickey Betts dies at 80
Guitar legend Dickey Betts, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and wrote their biggest hit, 'Ramblin' Man,' has died. He was 80.
Taylor Swift's new album allegedly 'leaked' on social media and it's causing a frenzy
A Google Drive link allegedly containing 17 tracks that are purportedly from Swift's eagerly awaited "The Tortured Poets Department" album has been making the rounds on the internet in the past day and people are equal parts mad, sad and happy about it.
What does it mean to be 'house poor' and how can you avoid it?
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Calgary man charged with manslaughter in death of toddler
Calgary police say Winston Campbell, 45, has been charged in the death of a two-year-old girl in 2022.