Cooks for a Cause
Three Mazol Shriners prepare potatoes in a kitchen to cook and distribute meals.
When wildfires tore through rural Newfoundland in Canada last August, destroying nearly 200 structures and forcing hundreds from their homes, local fraternity members responded to the emergency as only Shriners and Masons could.
The Kingston wildfire became the largest in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history, and consumed over 27,000 acres. As entire neighborhoods turned to ash and residents evacuated with whatever they could carry, the Salvation Army set up emergency shelters. But feeding hundreds of displaced residents and exhausted firefighters quickly became overwhelming.
That’s when Perry Bradbury heard the radio broadcast asking for volunteer cooks. As president-elect of the Trinity Conception Shrine Club, he called his fellow Shriners and Masonic lodge friends. The response was immediate.
The Trinity Conception Shrine Club is one of 10 clubs under Mazol Shriners of Newfoundland and Labrador. The temple has about 300 members across the province. Like many temples, their usual work centers on fundraising through dinners, bingo nights and raffles. Much of their efforts support the transportation fund, which helps children travel to Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada in Montreal. But this was different.
For Paul Rose, it was personal. A Past Potentate and current director of public relations for Mazol Shriners, his connection to the area made the crisis more than just news. “My wife’s family came from that area, and they still maintain several homes up there, which, thank God, were saved.”
The volunteers committed to eight consecutive days with nine people per shift cooking supper for 300 to 400 people nightly. Help also came from area Masonic lodges. Most had never cooked together. The crew had four hours to prepare meals each evening ranging from chicken tetrazzini to prime rib roast and shepherd’s pie.
By the time the smoke cleared, some residents had been displaced for six to seven weeks. But the Shriners kept showing up to cook and serve meals.
On the team, there were two experienced cooks, and that helped. But cooking ability was secondary to willingness to help. While one person peeled potatoes, someone prepared the main dish and another put together dessert.
This was a lesson in humanity. It reminded us how fast things can change and how strong people can be. Nobody’s alone out here.
Each member participated in serving the meals. Seeing the smiles on the faces of those who, in some cases, had lost everything made them feel good as Shriners.
One conversation still moves Paul. “One woman told me she still couldn’t sleep through the night. She got such a fright from these fires that mentally she was at her wit’s end. But she was there every day smiling and saying thank you.”
Over eight days, the Shriners prepared between 2,400 and 3,200 meals. Expressions of gratitude poured in from the evacuees and first responders. Residents praised the quality and portions, while emergency personnel were extremely pleased with the variety and timeliness of preparation. Meals were delivered to the front lines where firefighters were exhausted and hungry and thirsty. The meals allowed them to regain energy to keep fighting the fires.
Local news outlets covered their efforts, but Perry said it wasn’t about recognition. The experience changed how the volunteers saw their mission.
“It was a very humbling experience for us and allowed us to see through the eyes of someone in despair and hurt and in need, as many of our patients feel,” Perry said.
Harold Stanford has been a Shriner since 1999 and serves as the club secretary. He called this experience the most memorable thing he has ever done with the organization. He is originally from one of the communities damaged by wildfire, and that made the work even more meaningful.
Working side by side in that cramped kitchen, men who’d known each other for years found new connections. They spent eight days talking and learning about each other.
“The camaraderie was just great,” Perry said. “It brought us closer as a club. You realize this is what it’s all about.
“This was a lesson in humanity,” Perry said. “It reminded us how fast things can change and how strong people can be. Nobody’s alone out here.”
The Shriners are back to their regular fundraising work now and continue supporting children who need care at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada. The fires are out. But those days won’t be forgotten.
Two Mazol Shriners smile as they prepare food for those affected in the wildfires.
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