Founded in 1998, the TLC Corps members wanted to be a unit that would provide fun and fellowship for its Nobles. The idea came up for members to convert riding lawn mowers into miniature firetrucks to be ridden in parades, while at the same time, raising awareness of Shriners Hospitals for Children®. A larger parade unit was also built known as “The Hospi- tal Train”, that is capable of accommodating several riders. As time progressed, several of the firetruck units have been purchased from the original owners when they were ready to move on.

The TLC Corps welcomes members who wish to build their own parade unit, ride a TLC Corps owned unit, or be a non-riding member, but want to enjoy the fellowship of the unit. The TLC Corps fellowship includes our Annual Maintenance Day with a Pot-Luck Lunch held in May with the Silver Wings joining us, the “End of Parade Season” BBQ, and our Annual Christmas Dinner that is normally held on the 4th Saturday in November.

Since Dalmatians have traditionally been associated with firetrucks and fire halls, the Dalmatian was adopted as the TLC Corps mascot. The Dalmatian, as shown in the TLC Corps unit logo, is named “DAC”, an acronym for “Donations Assist Children”.

The TLC Corps parade uniform is a yellow jacket or vest with black pants or shorts, unit badge, and a Firefighter’s helmet. The TLC Corps formal uniform is a white dinner jacket with a black vest, black tie, black tux pants and TLC’s official unit badge. The yellow jacket and vest both have the TLC Corps and Shrine logos embroidered on them.

We average 12 parades each summer in various communities under the Al Shamal Shrine jurisdiction. Members participate in the parades of their choice.

The TLC Corps supports philanthropic work of the Al Shamal Shrine including volunteering some of their available time to work casinos, selling annual Shrine calendars that support the Hospital Patient Transportation Fund, and assisting with annual auctions and golf tournaments.

Our meetings are held at the Shrine Centre at 10:30 am on the fourth Saturday of each month except July, August, November and December. Ladies of the TLC Corps unit are always encouraged to attend the meetings as we value their input, and then they join us for lunch after the meetings.

If it is FUN and informality that you prefer over timing and precision, then the TLC Corps motorized unit may be the unit you’re looking for.