The State Master Councilor has chosen a new charity for the 2016-2017 Michigan DeMolay Year – Guardian Angels.

There are over 52 million people or approximately 20% of our population in the United States that are mentally and/or physically handicapped and those numbers continue to grow significantly each year. It is estimated that with the Iraq and Afghanistan wars that there is an additional 25% to 30% increase in PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). There are over 11 million people who require assistance with one or more daily activities such as walking, picking up dropped items, answering the phone, etc. Roughly 12 million others require a wheelchair or some other ambulatory equipment such as a cane, walker or crutches. The assistance these disabled people require not only strips them of their individual freedoms and quality of life, but also, often creates an enormous burden on the caregivers and community.

It is the goal of Guardian Angels, that by combining their business skills and specialized training abilities that they can bring dignity and independence to many of these disabled people through the use of our specially trained service dogs. For that purpose, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. was founded in north central Florida. Though the southern United States has the highest numbers of disabled people, we are improving the lives of special needs individuals everywhere and have paired dog teams from Florida to California.

Michigan DeMolay is please to announce that we have already raised over $750 for our State Charity. Throughout the year we will have several fundraisers to raise money towards this cause. If you would like to donate or volunteer, please contact your State Master Councilor, Jason G.