New Fund Raising
Happy Founders Day!
February 20, 2025
Fellow Kin,
On this special day, February 20th, 2025, we come together to celebrate Founders Day – the 105th anniversary of Kin Canada’s inception. Today, we honour the vision of our founder, Hal Rogers, who built the foundation for our Association through the pillars of service, fellowship and community spirit.
Since that first meeting in 1920, Kin Canada has grown into a dynamic, nation wide family of volunteers, united by a shared mission of “Serving the Community’s Greatest Need.” Our legacy is one of unwavering commitment whether through local initiatives, national partnerships, or lots of fellowship.
As we reflect on our proud history, we should also look to the future with excitement. Looking to our future has been a key focus of mine during my year as National President. The impact of your dedication – from coast to coast – continues to shape communities, foster lasting friendships, and inspire the next generation of Kin.
I would like to take this time to remind you that I am still accepting nominations for my Top 30 Kin Under 30 which aims to formally recognize our next generation of leaders within Kin Canada.
Let’s take a moment today to:
- Celebrate the successes of the past 105 years.
- Recognize the extraordinary efforts of our members, past and present.
- Reaffirm our commitment to serving and supporting our communities.
Whether you’re attending a Founders Day celebration, sharing stories with fellow members, or even reflecting on your own about the significance of our anniversary, know that you are part of something truly remarkable. Personally, Founders Day has always been one of my favourite days in Kin. I have always found value in sharing meals and favourite Kin memories with my fellow members, as well as K40 and K-ette members.
Thank you for your passion, your service and your belief in Serving the Community’s Greatest Need. Here’s to the next 105 years of community, fellowship, and Elevating Kin Canada.
Yours in Kin,
Marley Hanishewsky
National President
Kin Canada
Kin Support for Wellspring Move to Expanded Facility
Lisa Stacey the manager of Wellspring Stratford was excited to announce its move into a slightly larger space within the same building, made possible through generous support from the Kinsmen Club of Stratford. Lisa had on hand many of her volunteers to accept the donation from Kin Doug Young and Kin Trevor Exner.
“This new facility will allow us to better serve individuals and families affected by cancer across Huron, Perth and Oxford counties by expanding our capacity for in-person programs and enhancing client confidentiality and comfort.” Lisa stated.
Wellspring Stratford Cancer Support Centre, located at 55 Lorne St, offers programs and services ranging from Educational, Emotional Wellness, Chronic and Oasis to family programs at no charge for those experiencing cancers, caregivers and loved ones. These programs and services offered by Wellspring are funded solely through the generosity of individuals, foundation and organizations in the community.
The additional space will facilitate popular offerings such as an in-person mat yoga classes, art therapy and support groups, creating a more engaging experience. Our new boardroom allows confidential meetings to occur on-site, eliminating the need for rented meeting spaces. A larger reiki room and second office provide a quieter, more private environment, enhancing the support and wellness experiences for our clients.
For over 18 years, Wellspring Stratford has been dedicated to serving the community, offering essential programs, including wellness workshops, caregiver support, and self-healing techniques, delivered both in person and online. The Kinsmen’s support helps us continue this mission with even greater impact.
Kin Canada, “Only In Canada EH!” is Canada’s largest all-Canadian service organization, made up of Canadian men and women who gather together in clubs to volunteer their time for the purposes of bettering their communities by performing ‘hands-on’ service work, raising funds for important community projects and having fun.
Chartered in 1945, the Kinsmen Club of Stratford was one of the most recognized service clubs in the city and at one time had over 75 active members.
Major fund-raising and service projects over the past 65 plus years have included Arena Booth, Canada Day and Santa Claus parades, Canada Day fireworks, Stratford Blues and Ribfest, high school bursaries and Cystic Fibrosis to name a few.
Most recently the Kinsmen have made financial donations to the Avondale United Church Food Shelf, Stratford Hospital Foundation, Wellspring for Cancer, Rotary Aquabox, Connections Centre, Stratford Public Library Food Cart Programme and gym equipment for a new outdoor facility by the skate park.
Outdoor gym now open at Shakespeare Park
Kids and adults in Stratford now have another option for getting their exercise after the urban gym opened on Tuesday at Shakespeare Park.
https://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/news/local-news/outdoor-gym-now-open-at-shakespeare-park
Operators of the concession booth inside the
historic William Allman Arena since 1968
Home of the Stratford Warriors.
5 Morenz Drive Stratford, On
