COMMUNITY BUILDERS: Kinsmen Club and the upcoming Family Day of Kindness – Happening tomorrow, Monday, February 17

This is a new monthly column dedicated to sharing the stories of the incredible volunteers who drive our local non-profits and community events.

What inspired the Kinsmen Club to create the Family Day of Kindness event, and how has it evolved over?

Kinsmen always is looking for more events to offer Cornwall families. Family Day was created so families have the opportunity, at no cost, no barriers, to participate together and enjoy the day. With many families struggling in our community, the event is a perfect way to have fun and not have to worry about finding the money to pay for it.

What kind of turnout are you expecting this year, and how does this compare to past events?

Our day long event, we expect to have over 400 people join us for breakfast and the skating and swimming will also be well attended. We have broken the skating and swimming into one-hour sessions so if at capacity, at the end of the first hour we can change the participants, so everyone has the opportunity.

How do you ensure accessibility for all families, including those who face barriers to participation?

Having the event at the Civic Complex, allows for the participant friendly use of elevators and walkways to allow everyone access. At the breakfast we have many Kinsmen available for assistance. Families are responsible for their own swim wear and skates.

Why were skating, swimming, and the pancake breakfast chosen as the core activities for this event?

When the event was developed the main objective was to have an affordable family event that the whole family could attend. Kinsmen worked and partnered up to get some local support to maintain a free event, or 3 events within one, so the family could have an outing without an expense. The civic complex ended up being chosen as the staff their helped us set up the schedule. Also the complex offered the accessibility through its entrances and the building was central in the city.

Can you tell us about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into coordinating the pancake breakfast, skate, and swim?

To plan a 3-event day, you need club support and a team of volunteers to that can attend. We start early in the fall and get the venue booked, partners signed, review of events and activities available to us then prepare our plan. We then follow up and get ready for our 5am start on the family day morning.

What has been the most memorable moment from a past Family Day event for you or your team?

When you work these events, you get to see the smiles and laughter of the kids and the parents, and the grandparents. Many are hurrying to finish their meal as they are ready to skate, others the swimming is what they want. Over the years we have had some special groups volunteer with us and watching them work the crowd is always enjoyable, especially when you have young girl hockey players cleaning tables and serving…the excitement on their faces as many its their first time being a volunteer. Watching mom or dad help their little on try to skate is always a joy and with the new Canadians and new to Cornwall families, many are attending for the first time.

What does it mean to the Kinsmen Club to be able to offer events like this free of charge to the community?

To enjoy no cost activities is a priority. Our club works hard so we can offer these events and to ensure families that cannot afford it can afford it. Kinsmen as a service club in Cornwall for over 92 years has always served its communities greatest need and today the need for families to attend events at a low cost or free. Even throughout the year Kinsmen BBQ offer Kin pricing so families can all enjoy.

Can you tell us more about the partnerships with Tim Hortons and Stormont Dairy? How do they contribute to the success of the event?

Community business is always willing to help if its for a good cause. We are fortunate that that we have many that help us when needed. Our sponsors help us with either product or cash, some even volunteer at the event.

How can members of the community get involved with the Kinsmen Club or support your work throughout the year?

Kinsmen is always looking for new members. If interested they can contact our club president KinShane Eitzen 613-577-7240 orkseitzen@sympatico.caor follow the link on our web page or Facebook page.

If you know someone who works tirelessly behind the scenes and deserves to be recognized, please email us your nomination to: info@theseeker.ca Your nomination could help shine a well-deserved spotlight on their effort