MasoniCh.I.P. program protects Shelburne’s children

October 11, 2013 · 0 Comments

Widely known for their secretive society throughout the course of history even dating as far back as the Knights Templar, one secret is out as the MasoniCh.I.P Ontario Program (Masonic Child Identification Program) is a huge success. On Saturday October 5th in conjunction with the Shelburne and District Fire Department’s Open House, the Free Mason’s opened their otherwise closed and private doors to the residents of Shelburne with one objective, to help protect children.

The MasoniCh.I.P Ontario Program enables families and law enforcement to act quickly in the event a child has gone missing. Here’s how it works: Using the EZ Child ID System developed with the National MasoniCHIP Foundation, a software package was developed to include a scan of all ten fingers, a still photo, video and audio recording of your child. All information is recorded onto a CD and given to each parent who is the only one and sole individual to possess the private, delicate and potentially life- saving information. Also included in the package is a wax wafer bearing the child’s dental impression and a printed form of all information acquired.

At that point, all information is deleted off the EZ Child ID System which is how the system is designed in an attempt to deter identity theft. According to the Masons, vital statistics on Canada’s own, “Our Missing Children” site, and backed by Ontario Child Find reveal frightening numbers when considering the MasoniCh.I.P Ontario Program. Every year 60,000 children are reported missing across Canada and which province is the highest contributor to that number per capita? Surprisingly Ontario must claim that frightening statistic as an astounding 20,000 children go missing each year. When taking into account the MasoniCH.I.P is offered free of charge by the Mason’s, one can only hope the service is offered again soon.

The Mason’s also point out that according to authorities the first two hours after a child has gone missing are the most crucial. At this point, the MasoniCH.I.P can be a game changer when facing the time crunch and can result is a quick recovery especially when considering the system supplies all vital information required by the Amber Alert System.

Secretary of the Lorne Lodge of the Free Mason’s , Carey Widbur was proud to announce that 57 children are now safer due to the successful turnout . And what does Widbur have to say about the society to which he belongs?

“We are not a secret society, but we are a society with a lot of secrets!” commented Widbur. –but this is one secret that Shelburne residents can be grateful for!

By Alex Sher