Freemasons Offer Unrivalled Child Identification Kit to Parents

Toronto, Canada, March 26, 2010 --(PR.com)-- On Saturday, May 29 2010, the Freemasons of Toronto East will host another Child Identification event in Scarborough and provide parents a free ID Kit for their children. “We hope parents never need to use them,” says Tom Norris, District Deputy Grand Master and a member of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario, whose members are sponsoring the project, dubbed MasoniChIP. “At no charge, we’ll proactively help parents that day compile and package the required information and samples in the event of an Amber Alert.”

These sealed kits are kept at home, readily accessible, and provided to police in the event of an emergency. The five-point child recovery and identification program, already proudly complimented as very comprehensive by The National Centre for Exploited and Missing Children, comprises: digital photographs; digital video; digital fingerprints; vital child information; and a dental bite (wax wafer) impression or Intra Oral Swab for DNA. The kits are available from 10am until 3pm.

According to Canada’s Our Missing Children network and Ontario’s Child Find, a current good quality photo is the most effective tool in locating a missing child. “Parents are often surprised that most of the information collated that day can in fact be emailed to police in an emergency situation,” continues Norris. “Parents are reminded, however, that once the disc containing the child’s unique profile has been processed and handed to them in their own envelope all information is automatically deleted from the computer. The only item retained by us is the signed permission slip,” he concludes.

Freemasons have funded MasoniChIP programs across North America to supply parents and guardians the tools necessary to quickly supply law enforcement officials with complete details of a missing child. “Since the first few hours of search are critical ones,” adds Ed Crosier, Toronto East MasoniChIP Committee Chair and Master of The Beaches Lodge #473, “the CD we generate will provide police with transmittable and accurate information within moments of its receipt.”

Location: Toronto East Masonic Centre
Event Date: Saturday May 29, 2010
Event Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Event Location: 2201 Ellesmere Road (West of Markham Road)

Freemasonry has enjoyed an undisputed history of charity; its lodges and districts supporting many worthy and innovative projects in the community. The Masonic Centre is located near the intersection of Markham and Ellesmere roads, and plenty of parking is available. As part of Toronto’s Open Door program, there will be tours of the Lodge Room, with guest speakers and related displays set up, as well as hamburgers and hot dogs provided to visitors; and Toronto Police Services will be holding a Child Car Seat and Safety program again, supported by EMS and Toronto Fire personnel.

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