To all Worshipful Masters & Brethren of Hamilton District "A":

As you are quite likely aware,  the Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Allan J. Petrisor has identified that one of his chief objectives will be to provide a Child Identification Program, known as MasoniCHIP Ontario .  This program provides essential information to allow identification of a child by law enforcement agencies, in a very timely manner, if a child does go missing.  The first couple of hours of the search are the most critical, and with ready access to pertinent information, there is the greatest opportunity for a successful recovery.

The program is to be provided by Masonic Volunteers (you and I) at events where caring parents and children attend, such as Harvest Fests and Fall Fairs.  The parents bring their children to our local Clinic, fill out the basic information and waiver form for each child.  They are then directed to a volunteer, who will enter the basic information on a laptop, especially designed with software for only the MasoniCHIP program.  The collection of Finger prints, still photo, a video complete with audio are burnt to a CD and given to the parents for their retention.  In addition a Wafer imprint of their teeth is taken and placed in the MasoniCHIP Identification Kit.  Incidentally, the Wafer will also provide for DNA Information.  In consideration of privacy aspects, only the waiver form will be retained by the MasoniCHIP program as the computer automatically deletes all information before processing the next child’s information.  To date 2 Clinics have been successfully provided under the auspices of the Grand Lodge Public Awareness Committee, the Program Director for the MasoniCHIP Ontario program, is R.W. Bro. Ray Dobbs.

In the Hamilton Masonic District A, Our DDGM R.W. Bro. Zavar Byramjee is actively supporting this Child Identification Program.  He has appointed R.W. Bro. Ivan Elliot as the District Chair, to arrange clinics throughout our District for this worthwhile cause.  A clinic has been scheduled at the Milton Fall Fair on Saturday September 22^nd  9 am to 4 pm and Sunday. September 23^rd 10 am to 4.30 pm .  Volunteers are being requested from all District A Lodges, both for Data Input and other aspects of administering this valuable program.  Pre training of Volunteers will be provided. If you find that you do not have time available but wish to donate, it should be to the Masonic Foundation of Ontario, quoting Project 2552.  This will aid in the purchase of additional laptop systems thus expanding this worthwhile program, after all our slogan is “Masons Helping You Protect the Ones You Love”.  A tax receipt will be provided.   

Sincerely and Fraternally

D J Ivan Elliot

District A Chair of MasoniCHIP Ontario

and  Grand Lodge Committee Member of MasoniCHIP Ontario .

ATTACHMENTS:

• MasoniCHIP Flyer 

UPCOMING CLINICS:

• September 22, 2007 - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Milton Fall Fair
• September 23, 2007 - 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM - Milton Fall Fair