Shriners offers men and their families an opportunity to meet new friends who have similar interests. there are 191 shrine temples, or chapters, located in the united states, canada, mexico and the republic of panama. informal shrine clubs are located around the world. shriners of north america have a philanthropic mission as well - to support shriners hospitals for children, a world-class network of 22 pediatric specialty hospitals located throughout the united states, canada and mexico. since 1922, shriners hospitals for children have significantly improved the lives of more than 800,000 children.