Shriners Extend Lifeline to Children in New Brunswick

The Luxor Shriners of New Brunswick are recognizable to many for their red fezzes and parade floats. But their lasting legacy is measured less in spectacle than in the thousands of children they have helped access specialized medical care through Shriners Hospitals for Children.

For more than a century, the organization has bridged gaps in the health care system, ensuring that families never face a bill. “Our philanthropy, Shriners Hospitals for Children, helps children get medical care no matter the ability of the parents to pay,” said Sir James Leadbetter, the group’s Potentate. Last year alone, he noted, the Luxor Shriners supported 162 children in New Brunswick, covering transportation, housing, and food for one parent and the child at no cost to families.

The impact can be seen in the lives of patients like Anna of St. Andrews, diagnosed with a rare bone condition at 15 months. She underwent 16 surgeries at Shriners Hospitals and today is pursuing a degree in medical sciences. Another ambassador, Brett, has likewise shared his story of treatment and recovery, putting a human face on the organization’s work.

To sustain that mission, fundraising remains essential. Later this month, the Luxor Shriners will host a golf tournament at the Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews, combined with a silent auction which includes airline tickets, hockey memorabilia, and hotel stays.

“We really hope that locals will come out and bid on the items as well as the golfers that are there,” Leadbetter said. Patient ambassadors Anna and Brett will be on hand, offering firsthand accounts that connect donors to the cause.

“It makes it more real when you have Anna telling you she’s been dealing with this since she was 15 months old,” he added.

Beyond fundraising, the Shriners are also looking inward, hoping to double their membership in New Brunswick over the next five years. Leadbetter said the need is growing, and so must the organization’s capacity. “We need to grow because there’s always more kids out there that need our help.”

With 22 Shriners facilities across North America and millions invested annually in research, the organization’s reach extends far beyond Charlotte County. But for families in New Brunswick, the Luxor Shriners remain a vital local link to a century-old promise: that no child should be denied care due to the cost.