February is an important month for several organizations in the city, all hoping to raise awareness. On hand at Yorkton City Council Monday evening were representatives from the Yorkton Girl Guides/Scouts groups and from the Kinsmen and Kinettes.
"February 22 is a very important day for us," said a young girl guide to council. "It is known as thinking Day. This is the birthday of both our Founding Fathers, Lord and Lady Baden Powell. At this time of year our groups get together for a special celebration to honor this special day."
As in past years the Guides and Scouts asked City Council members they proclaim the week of February 17-23 as Guide and Scout Week in Yorkton, with permission to fly club flags during the week at city hall. A flag raising ceremony will be held on February 17.
February 17-23 has also been proclaimed as Kinsmen and Kinette Week in the city. February 20 is Kinsmen and Kinette Day. The local organization have a number of events planned in light of that fact - all to raise funds for Telemiracle. A Catch and Release event will take place on February 14 and a Ladies Night has been planned for March. The event raised $5,000 for Telemiracle last year. The groups hope for plenty of local support.
February is also Heart Month.
"Heart disease and stroke take one Canadian life every seven minutes," said a letter issued to council by Harry Ramsbottom, representing the Heart and Stroke Foundation. "Nine in ten Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease and stroke."
Each year in February the foundation highlights activities and undertakes a door to door campaign with the ultimate goal of reducing the impact of heart disease and stroke.
"By doing so our city will be joining with other cities across the province - and across the country - in support of the fight against a leading cause of death, disability and hospitalization in Canada."
