ASSINIBOA — In a year-end interview with Assiniboia’s Kinette Club, it was easy to see that there are multiple reasons this club is an asset to their community. Some say there are 58,102 reasons to be thankful for this industrious women’s organization, as that figure represents monies raised or donated to causes or projects to benefit the people of Assiniboia and surrounding area. While others maintain they have been recipient of 2,337 reasons, which represents the number of volunteer hours this club has invested in their community.
The Assiniboia’s Kinette Club dates back to the 1970s, and while there was a lapse in club existence for some time, the re-start of this community’s service club in 2002 has generated nothing but positives, energy and continued commitment to fulfilling their mandate of ‘serving the community’s greatest needs’.
Lisa Martin, public relations director, for Assiniboia’s Kinette Club says there are many highlights from their past year. However, two important milestones stand out and that includes being named Impact Award winner by the Chamber of Commerce, and donating $36,081 to Telemiracle 48.
“Assiniboia Kinette, Raelynn Nicholson completed her term as Kinsmen Foundation chair in June, handing over the reins to Jordan Kammer from Rosetown Kinsmen. She still serves as past chair until June 2025,” added Martin.
Assiniboia Kinettes also proudly acknowledge, Justine Headrick, who won the Zone G Kin of the Year, which is an award for being the most outstanding Kin in our region. Headrick was the chair of the spin-a-thons in Assiniboia (with Stride) and Rockglen (with Station Spin) which raised $13,000 and $17,340 respectively for TeleMiracle.
“Membership and retention are likely the biggest challenge for Kin Canada on a National level. People’s lives are so busy that it can be a struggle for some to participate, so it’s easy to give up a service club in favour of other family activities. Being able to give back, even once for a small event, is enough to fill your cup. There are enough of us that we can share the load,” says Martin.
Assiniboia’s Kinette Club has a membership of 20, however, they are always ready to welcome new members to help with the work they do. The service club was thrilled to welcome a new member in April of 2024, and two new applications came at their last Kinette Club meeting. This Kinette Club is one of the few in the province with 20 or more members, beating out even some larger centres with their club size. The fact that their membership remains healthy is a testament to the way they function, and how much their member’s contributions are valued and respected in the community.
When asked what is something people might not know about being part of a Kinette Club, Martin responds, “The sisterhood of having a common goal to work together is an amazing support system and builds lifelong friendships. “
Some of the many contributions the Kinette Club provides Assiniboia
The nominations for the Kinette Club, which earned them the ‘Impact Award” from the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce, noted many valuable attributes of this community service club. Their most valuable resource is their time and local service hours given, numbering more than 2,300.
In addition to provincial causes such as Telemiracle 48, and the Kinsmen Foundation, the Assiniboia Kinettes have participated in, or donated to, either through financial support, an in-kind donation or in-service, to Assiniboia & District Museum, Assiniboia and District Library, Assiniboia Arts Council Assiniboia Music Festival, Assiniboia Salvation Army Food Bank, ACHS Pink Game, Hayle and Cayden’s Mother’s Day Run, Christmas Lane, Saskatchewan MS Walk, Cornoach Ladies’ Might, Assiniboia Twinkle Tour, Kin Canada Bursaries and Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
Additionally, the club provides valuable services, activities or projects in the community such as:
• Assiniboia Adopt-a-Family, providing gifts and financial donations to those in need during the holidays
• Free Breakfast with Santa, attendees meet Santa and have a photo taken as well as do a group craft
• Community Easter Egg Hunt, free to children includes activities and craft creation
• Assiniboia and Assiniboia District Youth Humanitarian Awards
• Baked with Love Auction for MS, proceeds to MS Walk
• 2024 Community Calendar
• Assiniboia Salvation Army Food Drive, organising and receiving community donations both in product and monetary and delivering to the food bank, also educating residents about most needed items.
Kinette Club steps in when and where most needed
“The past two decades, and then some, the Kinette Club has shown leadership in the community through their countless volunteer hours and financial contributions to projects, and events, both large and small. Without the commitment of this community service club, many of these events and causes would cease to exist,” added Martin.
For instance, once Salvation Army no longer managed the adopt-a-family program, the Kinettes took over without being asked to do so, but simply seeing the need. They have created a project that brings together the community by giving to others in need.
Last year Assiniboia Food Bank was on the verge of shutting down, resulting in the Kinette Club ‘adopting’ the food bank for Christmas. The club purchased new shelves and assisted with cleaning and installation of new shelves, while also helping stock those shelves. They have added signage and man-hours to assist this valuable community organization when needed. Without this club’s involvement, the food bank was at real risk of closing.
The Impact Award nomination was supported by several letters of reference, including one from the mayor herself acknowledging the club’s continued above-and-beyond efforts in everything they do.
Members note “We are a fun, active, vibrant club that looking towards the future while referencing our successes of the past.”
