Club Service Holiday Highlights |
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Happy New Year from Kin Canada's Service Network! |
Happy New Year, fellow Kin!
On behalf of Kin Canada's Service Network, I would like to say a big THANK YOU to all clubs and members who worked tirelessly throughout the 2021 holiday season. The impact you’ve had on your communities - even despite challenges and hurdles over the past few years - is truly impressive and inspiring.
As 2021-2023 National Service Director, I have the pleasure of hearing from all District Service Directors about what clubs in their region have been up to. However, I know it is common for many Kin to see mostly what is happening within our own club, zone, or district only. For that reason, I wanted to share some coast-to-coast service and project highlights with you!
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While I cannot capture each and every incredible service project in a single newsletter (you'd be reading ALL DAY), the highlights below will give you a small snapshot of how clubs were able to make a difference in their communities over the holidays. I hope they give you the warm fuzzies - and maybe spark some inspiration for projects your club can try in the future.
Lisa Maggrah
2021-2023 National Service Director
Member of the Medicine Hat Kinettes
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For Giving Tuesday, the Kin Club of Cambridge went wish tree shopping for the local Salvation Army.
The Kinette Club of Goderich had a fabulous time at the Goderich Santa Claus Parade! They loved seeing all the families having so much fun! It was a great way to kick off the holiday season and spread holiday cheer!
The Kinette Club of Kitchener-Waterloo went Christmas shopping together! Books and toys were purchased for families in need throughout Kitchener-Waterloo.
Just in time for Christmas, the Kinsmen Club of Meaford made a donation of $1,670 to the Beaver Valley Outreach in Thornbury. Money was raised through the Kinsmen’s “Fun in the Sun Raffle” in 2021.
The Kinsmen Club of Stratford held a Parade of Lights for the community.
The Kinsmen Club of Tilbury & District celebrated 55 years of serving their community with their Santa Claus Parade. Congratulations on your charter anniversary!
Nearly 200 takeout pancake and sausage breakfasts were served at the Kinette Club of Tillsonburg’s Breakfast with Santa. Funds raised went to supporting the Alzheimer Society and the Helping Hand Food Bank.
...and much more across District 1!
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District 2 - Manitoba and Ontario |
The Kin Club of Dryden held a Christmas Tour of Lights, awarding prizes for “Best City Display,” “Best Rural Display,” and “Best Business or Community Display.”
The Kinette Club of Flin Flon (winners of the 2020-2021 Hal & Elspeth National Service Award), held their Christmas Countdown Calendar again this year and got even more creative with their daily raffle draw videos. Proceeds went to The Lord’s Bounty Food Bank, The Women’s Resource Centre, The Friendship Centre Gift Program and the Salvation Army hampers.
The Kin Club of Thompson participated in their Community Christmas Parade. The parade included the town mascot, Rudy the Raven!
The Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg raised a whopping $8.6 Million last Kin year and they aren't slowing down! Thanks to their wildly successful Kinsmen Jackpot Bingo, they were able to donate $50,000 to Variety (the Children's Charity of Manitoba Camp Brereton program), $15,492 to the Christmas Cheer Board, $14,320 to the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, $5,000 to Siloam Mission, $5,000 to Movember Winnipeg, and $5,637 to Winnipeg Military Family Resource Centre!
...and much more across District 2!
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District 3 - Saskatchewan |
The Kinette Club of Assiniboia worked with the local Rotary Club to support the “Adopt-a-Family” program which assists families in need. The club also visited seniors who loved some company over the holidays.
The Kinsmen and Kinette Club of Kindersley had a successful caroling night, raising food and funds for the Kindersley Food Bank. They even picked up some new friends along the way! The club also ran a Booze Survivor fundraiser. Through the initiatives, they were able to present the Kindersley Food Bank with a cheque for $2,235.
The Kinette Club of Lloydminster was very busy this season with their “KINsmas Karoling,” ringing bells for the local Salvation Army, and making a donation to the Lloydminster Interval Home Society.
The Kinsmen Club of Lloydminster ran their Kinsmen Tree Lot, with funds raised benefitting local charities. The Grinch was spotted on site trying to make off with the trees but he was unsuccessful!
The Kinette Club of Moose Jaw had a great summary for their community projects: “The Moose Jaw Kinettes have been very busy spreading Christmas cheer this holiday season! Thanks to the participation from everyone in our previous #winesurvivor we were able to raise $4,000 to give back to our community. We chose to donate $1,000 each to Riverside Mission, Moose Jaw and District Food Bank, and Moose Jaw Transition House. We were also able to purchase $1,000 worth of backpacks, mittens, toques, hot packs, nutritious snacks, plus much more to put together packages for the Moose Jaw Pride Warming Center. Thank you again for supporting the Moose Jaw Kinettes throughout the past year! Participation from you allows us to give back to our community throughout the year! We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”
The Kinette Club of Martensville & District were busy elves this season, running a fundraiser for Telemiracle 46 and supporting 11 local families through their Adopt-a-Family program.
The Kinsmen Club of Prince Albert helped hundreds of kids stay warm this winter. For their fifth annual 'Toques & Mitts for Kids' gift-giving project, they gift-wrapped 485 Christmas gifts and delivered them to select schools across the city.
Thanks to the community’s generous support of their raffles, the Kinette Club of Swift Current purchased some Santa gits for 10 seniors in their community, as well as a local family with the Salvation Army.
The Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon provided December Cheer Crates which were delivered to 750 Saskatoon Public Schools families. The Club made a trip to donate blood as part of their Season of Giving Campaign!
...and much more across District 3!
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The Kin Club of Beaumont participated in their “Brighten up Beaumont” weekend, contributing their very unique Kin-decorated tree! The Club was also busy with their holiday candy cane grams.
Every year, the Kinette Club of Calgary adopts dozens of families through their Adopt-A-Family hamper program. Generally, the club adopts families that are difficult to find donors for due to family size, or number of adults in the home. This year club members and friends shopped for 34 families (that’s 180 people!)
The Kinette Club of Camrose collected toys and cash for Silent Santa, and food for Neighbour Aid. Almost 300 food hampers with toys were delivered to those in need in Camrose!
The Kinette Club of Lac La Biche organized and sold out their 10th annual “Santa Photos with the Kinettes.” Congratulations on the 10th year of your successful project!
The Kinette Club of Red Deer volunteered at the Red Deer Christmas Bureau Society sorting winter gear from the Red Deer Rebels Toque Toss. The club also made knotted blankets!
The Kinette Club of St. Albert held a “Fill a Bus” day where members of the community could drop off food and toys. They then ran a Christmas Hamper program and delivered them to members of the community who needed help this holiday season.
The Kinette Club of Stampede City held a poinsettia fundraiser and volunteered for “Wrapping for a Cure” in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
The Kinsmen Club of Stampede City made substantial donations to Inn from the Cold and supported the Gear Up Event by the Calgary John Howard Society. Because of this donation, the Gear Up Event was able to rent outdoor heaters and coat racks, both of which helped immensely in the Club’s efforts to continue their annual event during times of pandemic restrictions. They were also able to purchase backpacks, gloves, and toques to help roughly 200 street-connected youth get “geared up” for a cold winter ahead.
The Kinsmen Club of Stony Plain ran their community Christmas Hamper program: “At -33 C, the last of 2021 Kinsmen Christmas (Toy) Hampers were taken to homes to place under the tree. 662 families in Stony Plain and Parkland County West will have a merrier Christmas this year thanks to the generosity of our local business partners and caring citizens of our communities.” The Club also created a wonderful year-in-review, in rhyme! Check it out here.
...and much more across District 4!
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District 5 - British Columbia |
The Kin Club of Cranbrook held photo sessions with the Grinch in their Kinsmen Park for a minimum donation of $35. The set was fun and creative, including signs encouraging guests to “scram!”. Paint and supplies were donated by a local paint store. Our hearts grew three sizes hearing about this project.
The Kinette Club of Lake Cowichan offered their “freezer full of meat” raffle throughout the holiday season. One lucky winner received, well, a freezer full of meat! This fundraiser is held in memory of Kinsmen Will Stone.
The Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley is offering a Christmas Tree pickup with donations supporting Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Over the last few weeks, they have also organized a bottle drive, donated to their local nonprofit community fitness centre for new equipment, and participated in the holiday parade with a gorgeously festive float!
...and much more across District 5!
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District 6 - Ontario and Quebec |
The Kinsmen Club of Brockville held their 33rd annual snowsuit drive. Every year, this important community initiative provides 500 snowsuits to those in need of something warm to wear through the winter months.
The Kinsmen Club of Trenton have had continued success with their annual Kinsmen Toy Drive, collecting toys and gift cards, collaborating with their local church, offering pickup and physical distancing options, and partnering with the Kin Canada Foundation for donors who need tax receipts. This project is a fantastic way to give families a hand up during Christmas time.
The Kinette Club of Cornwall brightened offices and living rooms everywhere with their poinsettia sale. Proceeds benefit Cystic Fibrosis Canada and other Club community projects.
...and much more across District 6!
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District 7 - Atlantic Canada (NB, NS, PEI, NL) |
The Kinsmen Club of Corner Brook had several initiatives over the holidays – a raffle fundraiser and some impactful donations: “Recently, the Kinsmen Club of Corner Brook made donations to a couple organizations/charities that certainly do good in their own way and can use some extra support this time of year. We presented cheques to the Xavier House in the amount of $500, and to Tara Quilty of the Bay of Island Food Bank in the amount of $500."
The Kin Club of Dartmouth made a $7,000 donation to the Dartmouth General Hospital, which will help with the purchase of a blanket warmer for the emergency department.
The Kin Club of Florenceville were busy elves, participating in the holiday parade and organizing their 49th Christmas Miracle, including initiatives supporting the program like Goals for Gobblers and Fill a Sleigh Day with local partners. They also prepared and delivered turkey dinners to seniors in the area. This club is a great example of building strong relationships with community and corporate partners!
The Kin Club of Halifax organized a senior holiday card campaign, and also continued their support of Bryony House by providing $10,000 to support the Outreach & Housing Support Program. In addition, they donated $1,000 to the Family SOS 'Snowsuit Fund', and $500 to Welcoming Housing and Support Services (who support people that are sleeping outside with items such as warm socks, underwear, and hand warmers).
With help from the Kin Canada Disaster Relief Fund, the Kin Club of Paradise ran their Christmas Hamper Program. Working with the local Lions, they also “filled a trailer” for the local food bank and donated $3,795!
The Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs of Marystown have been busy spreading Christmas cheer and donations. Donations were made to the DCJA Breakfast Program, the Family Aid, and Happy Tree.
The Kinsmen Club of the Miramichi wrapped another amazing year of their Kinsmen Toy Drive and had a beautiful float in their holiday parade. “We can't express our thanks enough to our fellow Kin, all the wonderful staff at the local schools, and the staff at Walmart Miramichi for all their hard work. A special thank you goes out to Tim Hortons and the Smile Cookie campaign, and the people of Miramichi, without whose generosity this would not have been possible year after year. There's going to be a lot of happy faces this Christmas!"
The Kinette Club of Mount Pearl donated much-needed start-up supplies to the women at Iris Kirby House. The Iris Kirby House provides a safe and secure refuge for women who are experiencing domestic violence.
The Kinsmen Club of Notre Dame: “The Co-Op 50/50 Fundraising Initiative made its annual donation to The Lewisporte Interfaith Goodwill Centre, in the amount of $6000. Fantastic community involvement. Kin Proud!”
The Kinette Club of Sackville ran a festive Christmas Market in support of Bryony House, an organization that provides 24-hour emergency services for women escaping intimate partner abuse. They also presented a $500 cheque to the Mikmaw Native Friendship Centre in December, setting a great example for Serving the Community’s Greatest Need.
The Kinsmen Club of Sackville operated a Christmas Tree lot with “record sales in record time.” They also continued with their TV Bingo, monthly 50/50 draw, and Christmas craft sale.
...and much more across District 7!
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The Kin Club of Bolton planned and executed a Santa Claus drive-by parade, warming the hearts of their community! They also ran their highly successful Toonie Clothing Sale, with proceeds going back into the community.
The Kinsmen Club of Bowmanville presented a cheque to the Salvation Army. Posting on Facebook, the Salvation Army expressed their gratitude: “Kinsmen Club of Bowmanville presents a donation towards our Christmas hampers. Thanks so much for your generosity.”
Animals need us around the holidays too! The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough presented a cheque for $15,000 to the local humane society: “The continuing level of unprecedented support for Kinsmen Super TV bingo has allowed us to present a $15,000 donation to the Peterborough humane Society. On hand to accept the cheque was Executive Director Shawn Morey. Shawn took the time to explain the needs of our pet population in the Peterborough area and how the extensive networks of Humane Societies are working together to protect our furry friends!” The Club has also made several large donations, including $10,000 to the Salvation Army Hamper and Toy Drive and $15,000 to Kawartha Food Share. Congratulations on the success of your Super TV Bingo!
The Kinette Club of Greater Sudbury organized a Christmas Countdown Calendar and donated to the Lions Christmas Children’s Telethon. Way to support local community partners! Members of the Club also donated plasma in December and challenged the community to join them in supporting Canada’s Lifeline over the holiday season. This club has consistently demonstrated a continued commitment to increasing awareness about Canadian Blood Services!
The Kinette Club of Sutton had a very successful Christmas parade, raising $520 and 400 pounds of food for the local food bank.
The Kinsmen Club of Lindsay had another successful year with their toy drive and shared this beautiful summary: “Toy Drive 2021 has officially come to a close. It was another successful year, as you have helped us serve over 700 children in our community. Those kids will now have a very happy Christmas morning, and their parents will get to see the smiles on their faces. Every one of you who made a donation of toys or money, helped do that. We are incredibly thankful for the support we receive from you year after year - individuals and businesses alike. Our community is truly the greatest. When a call for help is placed, you always rise to the challenge and show us that we are all one, and in this together.” All that time standing outside of stores to fill their recognizable blue barrels, they were, in their words, “freezin’ for a reason!”
...and much more across District 8!
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Looking for more great project ideas?
Check out the Kin Canada Projects Database! Our database grows when clubs add new projects, so don't be shy to upload information about your club's projects so we can continue to expand this valuable resource!
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Kin Canada Service Network
1920 Rogers Drive, Box 3460, Cambridge, ON N3H 5C6
519-653-1920 Toll Free: 1-800-742-5546 Fax: 519-650-1091
kincanada.ca
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