AnnualReport2020

Reaching Out During the Pandemic

Shriners find new ways to help others

In the winter of 2020, the world was turned upside down by a new coronavirus that quickly turned into a pandemic. Social distancing, quarantine and isolation became a new way of life for people everywhere. Many Shriners fall into the high-risk category and had to remain vigilant about avoiding the virus. In addition to the health concerns, as a group of men who generally enjoy socializing and supporting their philanthropy, many Shriners felt the lifestyle restrictions keenly. “Our members are in limbo and want to see this pandemic end,” said Ainad Shriners treasurer and Past Potentate Kurt Grosse. “Finding ways to give back helps Shriners too, by giving them something positive to do.” Many temples did just that. Here are some examples: Ainad Shriners In Southern Illinois, wellness calls to members of Ainad Shriners uncovered a desire to help others. Grosse said he was checking in on a fellow member of the Ainad Drum and Bugle Corps, who suggested supporting local hospitals. The Ainad Shriners decided to serve meals to health care workers, focusing on some of the smaller hospitals in the area. Quickly organizing donations, they worked with a noble-owned food truck called Spud Shack to serve 160 to 180 meals at each of five hospitals, Grosse said. For Shriners who were missing social interaction, the events gave nobles the opportunity to enjoy fellowship with one another – all within proper social distancing. “Our nobles came to the hospitals and applauded the workers when they came out to the food truck

to get their food,” he said. “The staff of the hospitals felt like rock stars!” Other Ainad initiatives include: • Contributing to local food pantries. • Doing wellness checks on members throughout Southern Illinois. • Holding Zoom meetings among units and clubs, to help nobles stay connected. Al Menah Shriners A group of Al Menah Shriners, of Nashville, Tennessee, brought smiles to the faces of nursing home residents when they brought their clown act to a local facility. Because of the coronavirus, nursing homes across the state had been closed to visitors. The event required some improvising: no more all piling into the same car or giving a personal touch to their act. "We’re all making sure people are staying six feet apart or better and we don’t engage with anybody. No handshaking," said Captain Jim "Snips" Lee. Still, the Shriners could tell how appreciated the moments were. "It gives them all a little bit of inspiration that there is hope ahead of this, and we’re not going to be locked up forever," said Charlie "Hot Rod" Jackson. The Shriners were pleased to have a way to contribute within their community. "You know there are doctors and nurses that cure the body, but we’re out here to cure the soul," said Lee. Zor Shriners With dine-in services closed at many restaurants, truck drivers had difficulty finding meals while they were working. The Zor Shriners of

Eau Claire and St. Croix, Wisconsin, found a way to help while thanking drivers for their contribution to meeting consumers’ needs. “We decided to go out and feed the truckers who are bringing food up and down the road for us,” said Potentate Barry Ausen. The meals included hamburgers, potato salad and chips. As they left, truck drivers honked their horns in appreciation. Amal Shriners The Amal Shriners, of São Paulo, Brazil, gave 50 masks – with the Shriners Hospitals for Children logo – to a facility for elder care called Casa de Repouso Lar da Melhor Idade. Abou Saad Shriners Members of Abou Saad Shriners, of Panama City, Panama, prepared “Migueleño bread” for health care workers at Hospital Rosales in El Salvador. “Thank you very much heroes!” they tweeted. “We are very happy to help.”

| JUST ONE: STRONGER TOGETHER 24