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For over two centuries the Scottish Rite has been the medium for many Master Masons to reflect upon their relationship with their faith, their fellow man and with themselves. It enables Master Masons to add to their Masonic knowledge and to witness colourful Scottish Rite “degrees” which are dramatic presentations exploring the philosophy, history, ethics and ultimate truths that guide Freemasons’ lives. The Scottish Rite delves further into Masonic teachings and is meant to provide more insight into living a more meaningful way of life for a Master Mason and his family. It also provides opportunities to enjoy friendship and association with a larger and wider cross-section of like-minded men and their families.

In Canada the Scottish Rite, through the Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation, provides generous research grants and bursaries toward the finding of causes, prevention and treatment of all forms of the Puzzles of the Mind such as Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Dyslexia.  Dyslexia and how it affects children is being addressed by Scottish Rite Learning Centres for children situated across Canada. The Valley of Calgary supports the Scottish Rite Learning Centre of Calgary, which assists children with dyslexia.

Royal Arch Chapters are the working lodges of the York Rite of Freemasonry that begin with the craft lodges — also referred to as blue lodges — found throughout the world. The Royal Arch continues the education of men towards being better citizens, fathers, brothers and sons.

Some charities supported by Royal Arch Masons in Alberta include the Youth Endowment Fund, a program of special funding for disabilities and needs, and the St. John’s Ambulance “We Can Help” program bringing first aid and safety awareness to young school children.

Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth — with nearly 200 chapters in several countries and thousands of clubs around the world. The organization is open to men of integrity from all walks of life, and who have already become Master Masons.

The Shrine’s charitable arm is the Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of over 20 hospitals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The rules for all of the Shriners Hospitals are simple and to the point: any child under the age of 18 can be admitted to the hospital if, in the opinion of the doctors, the child can be treated. There is no requirement for religion, race, or relationship to a Shriner, and medical services are provided free of charge.

Daughters of the Nile is an organization for women 18 years or older, who are related by birth or marriage to a Shriner, Master Mason, or Daughter of the Nile, or is a majority member in good standing of a Masonic-related organization for girls; or who was a patient, with or without Shrine or Masonic relationship, at a Shriners Hospital for Children.

The members are proud of their long association with Shriners International and their continuing support of Shriners Hospitals for Children. Daughters of the Nile maintain two permanent endowment funds to benefit Shriners Hospital for Children.

The Order of the Eastern Star is a related Masonic organization open to both men and women. Members of the Order are aged 18 and older; men must be Master Masons and women must have specific relationships to Masons. Originally, a woman would have to be the daughter, widow, wife, sister, or mother of a Master Mason, but the Order now allows other relatives as well.

Local Eastern Star Chapters select their own charities and places of service in their own communities. Some projects include scholarships for ministerial students, support for Juvenile Diabetes and for Alzheimer’s. In addition, each year a special charity is selected for emphasis, examples being Multiple Sclerosis, Kids Cancer Camps, and Women’s Shelters.

DeMolay is the premier youth leadership organization building young men of character, and dedicated to making young men better people and leaders. Providing a program based on timeless principles and practical experience, DeMolay strives to not only create the extraordinary leader, but a leader of character. DeMolays hold themselves to a higher moral standard, striving to constantly improve and be better each and every day. DeMolay is a youth-led, adult-advised organization in which young men learn to plan, organize, and facilitate their own programs. DeMolays take part in a wide-range of activities, from athletic competitions, to public speaking tournaments, to community service events. A family connection to Masonry is not a prerequisite for membership into DeMolay.

DeMolay encourages its members to identify and understand the needs of their communities. The young men learn to develop and participate in youth-led responses to those needs such as hunger, homelessness, illness and veterans’ causes to name a few.