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| WHAT IS THE ORDER of the EASTERN STAR |
| WHAT THE ORDER IS It is the largest worldwide fraternal order to which Master Masons and their female relatives may belong. It is not a religion. However, it requires a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being and encourages LOYALTY to one's own religious beliefs, family, country and community. Today in Ontario there are approximately 18,000 members in 189 Chapters. |
| WHAT THE ORDER DOES As a fraternal order, the Order of the Eastern Star provides an opportunity for men and women to meet and enjoy social companionship. The Order encourages a philosophy of life based on the virtues of FIDELITY, CONSTANCY, LOYALTY, FAITH, LOVE and CHARITY. In Ontario, the Order contributes nearly $500,000 annually to a wide range of charities. |
| QUALIFICATIONS To become a member, men must be Master Masons and women must be 18 years or over and possess certain relative relationships to a Master Mason. |
| CHAPTER SELECTED CHARITIES Individual Chapters select one or more local charities and raise funds from within their communities by appealing to the local population and meeting local needs. ANNUAL GIVINGS $300,000. |
| ESTARL This fund, unique to the Order of the Eastern Star, through donations from individual Chapters allows bursaries of $900 each to be given to assist men and women who are dedicating their lives to the Spiritual Service of mankind. ANNUAL GIVINGS $55,000. |
| GRAND BENEVOLENT FUND This fund, supported by local Chapters allows a confidential committee to give funds to Members, usually on an emergency basis. ANNUAL GIVINGS $40,000. |
| MONTHLY MEETINGS OF ONTARIO CHAPTERS Allows members pleasant social interaction and time to plan activities for fun, fellowship and for raising funds for many local charities. ANNUAL HUMANITARIAN GIVINGS $500,000. |
| FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE HOME FOUNDATION Interest derived from a Capital Fund allow donations of equipment to be made to Hospitals in Ontario each year. ANNUAL GIVINGS $30,000. |
| WORTHY GRAND MATRON'S PROJECT An individual Province-wide charity which is chosen annually and supported by the Members. These charities have over many years included: Arthritis, Heart & Stroke, Alzheimers, Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis and Muscular Dystrophy. ANNUAL GIVINGS $75,000 |
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