The Canadian Shriners Hospital: One Hundred Years, Countless Transformed Lives

The Rameses Shriners have been spreading smiles and lending hands in Ontario for years. They may not have laser eyes, supernatural strength, or secret lairs (unless you count the Shrine Centre). They may not leap tall buildings or fly through the sky, but the Shriners are superheroes in every sense of the word. Their mission? Delivering hope, healing, and high-fives to kids—no masks, no capes, just heart.

And in 2025, these everyday legends are celebrating something epic: the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Shriners Hospital. For a full century, they have been transforming lives and offering world-class medical care to children. No bills, no barriers—just the kind of superpower every family wishes for.

Local Legends with Big Hearts

The Rameses Shriners are on the quest to be the premier fraternal organization for men of good character, fostering self-improvement based on the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth while providing quality services for their members, families, and friends in a spirit of fun, fellowship, and social camaraderie—all in support of their philanthropy, the Shriners Hospital for Children.

As part of the larger Shriners International network—with over 200 Shrine Centres across North and South America—these heroes have helped more than 1.6 million children receive medical care. And no, there was never a bill for these families. In a world full of challenges, the Shriners are proof that kindness, community, and a bit of whimsy can go a long way. Here's to 100 years of heart, hustle, and happy kids—and to the next 100 being just as unforgettable.

Not Just a Hospital—A Hub of Hope

The crown jewel of their Canadian efforts? The Canadian Shrine Hospital, the flagship orthopaedic hospital of the entire Shrine system. It opened its doors 100 years ago and has since grown into a powerhouse of paediatric care—a research centre, a teaching facility, and a place where kids walk in with serious health challenges and walk out stronger, healthier, and often smiling.

The Shriners currently have 12 hospitals and over 125 locations providing services, including clinics, outreach centres, and partner hospitals. One exciting new addition is the Rare Bone Disease Clinic at the London Health Sciences Centre. In partnership with McGill University, the Canadian Shrine Hospital also helps train future doctors and breaks ground on medical research at the same time.

A Toast to Ten Decades

Like any good birthday bash, the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Shriners Hospital comes with a packed schedule of celebrations. Things kicked off on February 18th, marking the date of the hospital's first patient visit way back in 1925.

Next up was a public open house on May 17th, giving folks a chance to tour the hospital, meet the team, and see exactly where the magic happens. Then came the grand finale: a fundraising gala on October 4th, where supporters from across the country gathered to toast 100 years of care and raise funds for the next 100.