Kin Canada
The Association of Kinsmen, Kinette and Kin Clubs
Kin Canada is an all-Canadian service organization made up of active
community volunteers. Working together, members are enhancing the quality
of life in their communities by promoting service, fellowship, positive
values and national pride. Kin clubs support cystic fibrosis (CF) research
and fund local projects across the country.
HISTORY OF THE ASSOCIATION
The Association was founded on February 20, 1920 in Hamilton, Ontario
BY Harold A. Rogers O.C., O.B.E. (1899-1994). Rogers was 21 and had just
reutnred from the trenches of the First World War when his father, a prominent
Rotarian, encouraged him to get together a few young men his own age.
However, when Rogers decided to join the same Rotary club as his father,
his application was rejected. It was policy of the Rotary not to have
two members from the same business establishment. As a result of this
rejection, Rogers and a small group of men gathered for a dinner meeting
and became the first Kinsmen Club – the Kinsmen Club of Hamilton,
Ontario.
MISSION STATEMENT
“Kin Canada is a dynamic volunteer organization enriching our communities
through service while embracing national pride, positive values, personal
development, and lasting friendships.”
KIN MOTTO
“Serving the Community’s Greatest Need”
MEMBERSHIP
More than 8,100 members belong to 570 Kinsmen, Kinette and Kin clubs from
coast to coast. Kinsmen clubs are predominantly male-only while Kinette
clubs are predominantly female-only. Kin clubs have a mixed membership
of men and women. The Association was founded in Canada and there are
no clubs outside of Canada.
SERVICE ACTIVITIES – MORE THAN $15 MILLION RAISED ANNUALLY
Kin clubs undertake a wide variety of local fundraising and service projects.
Its motto - “Serving the Community’s Greatest Need”
– means that each club determines how it will raise funds and how
those funds will be spent in the community. The Association encourages
the autonomy of its clubs so that as many decisions as possible are made
by its members at the club level.
Since 1964, the Kinsmen and Kinettes’ national fundraising project
involves supporting the work of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
(CCFF). This year the Association’s total contributions are expected
to surpass $34 million for CF research and treatment.
Kin are also active from coast to coast promoting a variety of national
pride initiatives designed to give Canadians the opportunity to demonstrate
that they are proud of their country. For example, Kinsmen and Kinettes
annually spearhead ‘Raise the Flag!’ Day, a patriotic event
encouraging Canadians everywhere to raise and fly the Canadian flag. This
annual national event takes place in communities on the Saturday before
the Victoria Day weekend in May.
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