Kinsmen celebrating 100th anniversary in Wallaceburg & Dresden

Kinsmen Club’s across Canada are celebrating their 100th anniversary this week, and special flag raising ceremonies are taking place in Dresden and Wallaceburg to mark the occasion.

“Councillor Jamie McGrail and several members of the Dresden Kinsmen Club will gather at Dresden Town Hall Service Centre on Feb 20 to raise a flag and proclaim February 16-22 Kin Canada Week,” officials with the Dresden Kinsmen Club said in a press release.

“This ceremony will recognize the impact the local Kinsmen, Kinettes, and Kin have made on the Town of Dresden since they were established in 1939.

“The local ceremony is part of a Canada-wide flag raising celebration for the all-Canadian service organization’s 100th anniversary,” Dresden Kinsmen officials said.

“Flags will be raised at sunrise all across Canada, starting on the East coast of Newfoundland and Labrador and spanning to the West coast of Vancouver Island. Members of the public are encouraged to join the Dresden Kinsmen Club in celebrating this historic event.”

A flag raising will take place at the Wallaceburg Municipal office on February 20 at 11 a.m. as well.

“In attendance will be Aaron Hall, (Council) representative of Wallaceburg, the President of the Kinsmen and other representatives of that organization,” Wallaceburg Kinsmen officials stated in a press release.

“The ‘Founders Flag’ raising commemorates the 100th anniversary of the founding of ‘Kinsmen’ by WW1 veterans in Hamilton Ontario. Missing the comradery of the War these gentlemen determined to create a club where civic minded individuals could meet and better the communities in which they resided.”

Wallaceburg Kinsmen officials said the Wallaceburg branch was opened in 1932 and has contributed continuously since to the local community through sponsorships and members personal participation in community events.

“The National Kinsmen raise monies for Cystic Fybrosis research in Canada and are one of the largest supporters of this cause in the country,” Wallaceburg Kinsmen officials stated.

“Additionally Kinsmen, Kinnettes and Kin have raised over $1-billion for local charities and non-profits.”

Dresden Kinsmen officials say the celebration will continue throughout the year with Kin across the country participating in National Day of KINdness, planting trees, supporting school milk programs and engaging youth
in the Kin 100 Community Challenge.

“All nods to different parts of the association’s long history of giving back,” Dresden Kinsmen officials stated.

“In Dresden alone, the Dresden Kinsmen Club has been the driving force behind Kinsmen Park, the Dresden Santa Parade, the yearly Easter Egg hunt and many other community initiatives.”

Dresden Kinsmen officials added: “Funds raised help local families, support community programs/services and assist in the development/maintenance of community infrastructure. Clubs have also contributed over $47 million to cystic fibrosis research and been advocates for blood, organ, and tissue donation. Kin Canada is proud to award $1000 bursaries each year to post secondary students with financial need through the Hal Rogers Endowment Fund Kin Canada Bursaries program.”

Ceremonies are scheduled to be held across Chatham-Kent this week, with ceremonies also planned in Merlin, Tilbury, Grand Point, Blenheim and Chatham.

To learn more about Kin Canada, visit www.kincanada.ca.

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