The Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation of Canada

The Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation of Canada was founded in 1964. Over the years, the Foundation has focused on psycho-neurological issues, supporting research varying from learning problems to Alzheimer’s disease by generous grants to Canadian researchers. As well, the Foundation has awarded grants and bursaries to students in Canada preparing for careers related to psycho-neurological concerns. IN 2002, the Foundation took its concerns to an applied level by authorizing the development of Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation Learning Centres for Children in Canada to provide free remedial tutoring to children formally identified as being dyslexic. All of these programs follow the Foundation’s theme, “Helping Solve the Puzzles of the Mind”.

To establish the Learning Centres program across Canada, a Pilot Project was undertaken in the London Valley of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of Canada. Using the programs established by the Southern Jurisdiction and the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, the London Valley Planning Committee adapted the concept to Canadian realities, using the Manual of the 32° Masonic Learning Centres for Children, Inc., as a model. The Committee limited its focus to the remediation of dyslexia in formally identified dyslexic children, using only the Orton-Gillingham Approach. The first Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation Learning Centre for Children in Canada opened in London in 2003. The success of the London Pilot Project has resulted in more such Centres operating across Canada.