Discussion Paper – Official Visit Algonquin Lodge #434 – Jan. 16, 2007
By R.W. Bro. Garnet E. Schenk, DDGM

Summary of the presentation
Blood Donors and Masonry

Sub-Title “The Gift of Life”

Mandate

Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario has been associated with blood donor services since 1958 when a committee of Grand Lodge was formed to establish a blood donor policy and direction for Masonic Lodges in Ontario. The Blood Donor committee is Special Committee of Grand Lodge. The task of the committee is to ensure that all Masons know about the work of the Canadian Blood Services and to encourage the giving of Blood. A report is generated by the committee each year for the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge and is included in the Annual Proceedings. The report covers the activities of all lodges supporting blood donor services.

The current mandate of the Blood Donors Committee is as follows:

- “To promote and encourage Masons, their families and friends to give the gift of life when able to do so.”
- “To assist and improve the awareness of the need for blood and its by-products to the brethren, their families and friends with their community.”
- “To raise the awareness of and encourage the brethren, their families and friends
to consider participation in the Unrelated Bone Marrow Donor Registry.”
- “To establish and support a viable relationship with the Canadian Blood Services.”

Relationship to the Ritual

There is a strong connection between the demands made in the ritual for giving something that is within our power to give (most often). We as Masons remember the impact on our minds of the Charity Charge at our initiation. R.W. Hermann Waxl in a paper addressed to newly initiated candidates as well as a reminder for all Masons, examines the broader issue of charity and what it is that a Mason can give. Charity can also include the Gift of Life, a Gift which many of us capable of giving. The Ritual stresses the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man, therefore the giving of the Gift of Life can be seen as an application of what is taught therein. We are also required to render every kind office that justice and mercy may require. Blood donor activity is a natural response to the teachings of Masonry.

Giving Blood

Giving the Gift of Life adds to the happiness of others. We the giver, realize a sense of satisfaction in practicing what we have been taught. Morality teaches us to share the gifts we have been given. When you give blood, you give: * Another Birthday, * Another Day At the Beach, * Another Night Under The Stars, * Another Talk With A Friend, * Another Laugh, * Another Hug, and * Another Chance At Life.

Giving the Gift of Life does indeed strengthen the Brotherhood of Man.

What Can Be Counted as Masonic Donor?

- Any member of a Mason’s family, relations and friends in good health, between the ages of 17 and 60. (up to 71 for a regular donor.)
- Who donate on behalf of a Mason.
- Who gives blood, plasma and platelets at a supported or sponsored clinic by
Masons.
- Who has been contacted by a Mason.

Be Counted – Put Yourself in the Picture.

The Need

Every minute of the day, someone in Canada needs blood. That someone could be a loved one, a friend, a co-worker – even you. In Canada, roughly 137,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year. Cancer patients need blood or blood products to survive their treatments. Transplant services of all kinds need significant amounts of blood. Hip replacements also draw on the available stock of blood.

The need for blood is rapidly rising and there is a need to increase the eligible number of Canadians who donate blood.

Responsibility of the Canadian Blood Services

The Canadian Blood Services is responsible for recruiting blood and bone marrow donors, as well as collecting blood, plasma, and platelets. In managing the Unrelated Bone Marrow Donor Registry (UBMDR), Canadian Blood Services also collects blood samples for donors who wish to join the Registry. Canadian Blood Services records the specific proteins that make an individual’s bone marrow unique. This information is used to match donors with patients who need bone marrow transplants.

Would you like to become a donor?

Guidelines – Masonic Manual

Appendices D & E. of the Masonic Manual set out the District responsibilities and the Lodge responsibilities. The appendices are not included in this paper but I do urge you to become familiar with their instructions and advice as set out in the manual.


References: Blood Donor Report in Proceedings of Grand Lodge, The Work, Masonic Manual and Canadian Blood Services’ Web page material.