Kinsmen Club Brings Back Free Family Day Celebration

Three no-cost activities planned for February 16 as service club continues tradition of community giving

Families looking for ways to celebrate Family Day without breaking the bank will have multiple opportunities thanks to the Kinsmen Club of Cornwall’s annual Day of Kindness event.

The local service organization is hosting three free activities on Monday, February 16, giving families across the region a chance to enjoy breakfast, skating, and swimming together at no charge.

The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 297 on Second Street West from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Families can fuel up with hot pancakes, juice, and milk before heading out for the rest of the day’s activities.

Free skating follows at Ed Lumley Arena, with two 55-minute sessions available – one from 10 a.m. to 10:55 a.m. and another from 11 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. The club has organized the staggered sessions to ensure everyone gets ice time if the rink reaches capacity.

The celebration wraps up with family swimming at the Kinsmen Pool at the Aquatic Centre from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., also divided into two periods to accommodate as many participants as possible.

The events were specifically designed to remove financial barriers for families struggling in the current economic climate. With many families facing financial pressures, the Kinsmen Club wanted to create opportunities for families to spend quality time together without worrying about costs.

The organization expects over 600 people to participate across all three activities. The Kinsmen Club has partnered with several community groups and businesses to make the day possible, including Tim Hortons, Stormont Dairy Committee, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 297, and Agape Centre.

“When you see the kids eating, then skating, then swimming with their parents it’s so great that families get to spend the day together,” says Kinsmen President Matt LeDrew. “Hosting our own and helping other local events is just another example how Kinsmen is adding to the fun and enjoyment of the Cornwall community on this special day.”

This marks another chapter in the Kinsmen Club’s long history of community service in Cornwall. The organization has been supporting local events and initiatives for more than 93 years.

Other Family Day activities in the area include a family movie at Port Theatre at 2 p.m. (tickets required) and free activities at Summertown Trails from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring equipment rentals and hot dogs.