Algoma District Masonic Web Site
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District Information & Events
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MasonicCH.I.P. Keeps Children Safe Regional Director - Patrick Curran at (807) 345-7427 Committee - Gary Christian at (807) 768-0664 Committee - Craig Wolverton at (807) 684-0661 The Algoma District Masonic Association together with Masons in Ontario is introducing a new child identification program to the area, in an effort to increase the safety of children in our community. It will provide information to parents that can be accessed quickly by law enforcement agencies, Amber Alert, as well as Search and Rescue teams. The MasoniCH.i.P. program is the long term, dedicated effort of 58,000 Ontario Masons. Missing
individuals--regardless of age--continue to be a critical focus of parents,
guardians, and all police agencies throughout Ontario. The
wherewithal to launch this program was developed by EZ Child ID, working
directly with the National MasoniCH.I.P. Foundation, to produce the software,
and ultimately the child ID kits. Each
kit will contain a printout of pertinent information, digital photos, and
digitally scanned finger prints. It will include a video with the child's voice
and mannerisms, a DNA swab and a wax tooth print. Although
each kit costs approximately $4.00, the service will be provided free. The
ID machines, or hardware, required to process the information included in the
kit, however, cost about $3,000 each. One is already in operation, but can only
process from 6 to 10 kits per hour. To meet the demand, the Algoma District
Masonic Association is planning to purchase three such machines, and will be
responsible for scheduling and supporting child ill clinics in shopping centres,
at children's festivals, the Shrine Circus, the CLE and local and rural fairs. 20,000
children are reported missing every year in Ontario.
The key to recovering these children is quick action by parents and law
enforcement. The first two hours
after a child has gone missing are the most critical. Seniors
go missing too, due to such causes as dementia and Alzheimer's. The
Algoma District Masonic Association took on this project in July 2007, vowing their
1,500 members could raise the $12,000 necessary to purchase the three machines. Algoma
District has 10 Lodges west of Sault Ste. Marie, however we are relying on the
Northwest to exhibit their usual generosity
in supporting this vital project whose
sole purpose is "Masons helping you protect the ones you love." Masons
and volunteers who wish to work at the ID clinics require a complete Criminal
Records Check for which the Ontario Provincial Police has agreed to waive the
fee. Annual
meetings will be open to all businesses that have provided funding for the
program, and will provide an opportunity for long range planning, for gathering
of statistics, and to review policies and procedures. One
machine has been acquired to date, and it is anticipated that the first
"Clinic" will be held in mid-January. Gary
Christian, Committee Member, Algoma District Masonic Association, stresses that
the software was written so no information about the child is saved on the
computer, thus protecting he/she from identity theft. "The parent is the
only person who retains their child's information. You are encouraged to electronically register your most precious commodity—regardless of age!! The process is simple and will take less than fifteen minutes!! Your
support of this project is urgently solicited, and will be greatly appreciated
by Gary Christian at (807) 768-0664, or Patrick Curran at 345-7427. Keep
in mind the Ontario MasoniCH.i.P.Program - -Reminder- “Register-A-Family
Member & Inform-A-Friend”
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