The Weyburn Kinsmen and Kinette club will celebrate their 65th anniversary on Dec. 1. Over the past 65 years, the goal of the Kins Club has remained the same. "Our goal is to support Weyburn's greatest needs," said Todd Bedore.
The Weyburn Kinsmen and Kinette club will celebrate their 65th anniversary on Dec. 1.
Over the past 65 years, the goal of the Kins Club has remained the same. "Our goal is to support Weyburn's greatest needs," said Todd Bedore.
Todd started serving in the Kin Club when he was 19. "It was a chance to gain leadership and give back to the community. It developed me into the person I am today."
"I have made life-long friends, and I have friends and family all over the province now," added Before.
"The biggest thing for myself is giving back to the community, either through raising money or giving time back," said Clark Gawryluik. "If you'd like to give something back to your community, the Weyburn Kinsmen and Kinette Club is for you."
"As a Kinsmen/Kinette member, you will have access to personal, professional and leadership development to help you be a better individual in your community," said Gawryluik. "There is no better feeling than being a volunteer and being proud of the work you've done for others."
The Kinsmen Club of Weyburn was formed in 1948 and was chartered on Dec. 1. Wilmer Bates was the president at that time, and on the date of chartering the club had 46 members.
In 1954 the Kinettes were formed. Both groups were merged in 2006, under the new name Weyburn Kin Club.
Service projects of the Weyburn club include Kin Kourt park and tennis court, which were turned over to the City of Weyburn, and a paddling pool on South Hill, which had included a playground before it was demolished.
The Kins have donated over the years for scholarships, minor baseball and minor hockey, and recently established a new Kinsmen Park in the city.
Also for many years, the organization ran the Kinsmen Senior's Centre, a place where seniors could go play card games. The building was maintained by the Kinsmen.
One of the greatest honours is to be named a lifetime member. There are three current life members: Bob Little, Glen Sonnenberg and Scott McLeod.
An interesting fact about the Kin Club is in the early 1970s, they created several Wor-Kin Shops (including the one in Weyburn) using funds from the Telemiracle Foundation.
The Weyburn Kin Club still maintains a relationship with the Wor-Kin Shop. They utilize a space in the Wor-Kin Shop building for their meetings, and recently donated to help support the new Day Program building.
The Telemiracle Foundation assists Saskatchewan people to acquire special needs equipment and access to medical treatment.
From the local club, three different members have served as chairperson for the Telemiracle Foundation. "A lot of leaders have come out of this club in Weyburn," said Bedore.
Currently, the Weyburn Kin Club are selling tickets for their 2014 "Fun in the Sun Lottery". All funds from this lottery will be donated back into the community. There are 12 monthly draws for the lottery, and draws will be held on the last day of each month, beginning Jan. 31, 2014. The earlybird draw will happen on Dec. 20.
There are only 400 tickets available, and they are 60 per cent sold. They cost $100 each and are available at NSWB, the Weyburn Pharmasave or any Kinsmen and Kinette member.
One of the national charities for Kin Canada for the last 50 years has been Cystic Fibrosis.
The Weyburn Kin Club meets on the first and third Thursday of each month. They currently have 15 members, but welcome anyone who might be interested.
