Daughters of the Nile is an international fraternal organization for women 18 years of age or older. They are related by birth or marriage to a Shriner, Master Mason, or a Daughter of the Nile. They may also be a majority member in good standing of a Masonic-related organization for girls, or a former patient at a Shriners Hospitals for Children® (with or without a Masonic relationship). Founded in Seattle, Washington in 1913, Daughters of the Nile members total over 19,000 in 132 cities throughout the United States, Canada, and South America. Our members are proud of their long association with Shriners International and their continuing support of Shriners Hospitals for Children®.

The Daughters of the Nile maintain two permanent funds to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children®. The Daughters of the Nile Foundation (a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit charity) administers funds in the United States. In Canada, the funds are administered by the Daughters of the Nile Canadian Trust.

Our one and only charitable endeavor is Shriners Hospitals for Children® and their network of 22 hospitals throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They are renowned for providing the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries, cleft lip and palate, and many other special healthcare needs within a compassionate, family centered, and collaborative care environment. Shriners Hospitals for Children® also provide for the education of physicians and other healthcare professionals and cutting-edge research into new treatments and procedures to improve the lives of children and their families.

WHAT WE DO

The Daughters of the Nile contribute monetary donations of over $2 million annually to Shriners Hospitals for Children® through our Foundation and Trust. Since 1924, we have contributed over $66 million, second only to the Shriners themselves.

Each year our members give generously of their time and talents by providing more than 180,000 hours of volunteer time at the hospitals. In addition, they sew clothing, quilts and special projects requested by the hospitals, provide books, toys, games, and other educational/recreational materials, and sponsor parties for patients and their families each month. The annual value of these hours and donated items is in excess of another $1 million annually.

HISTORY

Nydia Temple was chartered April 24, 1919 in Portland, Oregon. 1919 was remarkable, in that so much happened in such a relatively short period of time. Times were tough, the country was just recovering from a Great World War, transportation was in its infancy, yet these early ladies were very successful in establishing a strong organization built on charity while maintaining unquestionable ethics and character.

Membership increased rapidly the first year and a half ending 1920 with 1036 members, which established Nydia Temple as the largest individual temple in the Daughters of the Nile system; proudly we still hold that position today.

The early records show Nydia Temple’s philanthropy was directed toward the families of members in need. We also had parties to benefit the elderly and during WWII the members formed a Red Cross Surgical Dressing group to prepare bandages. At the same time serving at the George A. White Service Men’s Center; funds were provided for a Blood Mobile Unit and we furnished a room at Barnes Hospital for servicemen.

Today our philanthropic efforts are directed solely to raising funds for the Daughters of the Nile Convalescent Endowment Fund (CEF) and the Convalescent Relief Account (CRA). Early on Nydia Temple dedicated itself to assisting with the work of the Shriners Hospitals. In 1925 our records indicate that Nydia Temple was the first temple to contribute “Sewing” items to any Shriners Hospital. Currently the members of Nydia Temple have a strong volunteer presence at the Shriners Children’s Hospital – Portland.

Throughout the years the members established many first and brought several honors to Nydia Temple.  This could only be accomplished through their love and dedication. This temple has a very proud heritage that we honor and cherish. The members continue to uphold their proud charitable work dedicated to assisting the Shriners in supporting “Shriners Children’s