Yorkton Council officially proclaimed February as Kinsmen Kindness Month following a request made by the Yorkton Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs at the regular meeting of Council Monday.
Kinsmen Club president Sunil Shah said in the past five years the Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs locally have provided some $172,000 to local projects such as the Health Foundation and local playground developments.
Stephanie Dreger, president of the Kinettes, said one of the biggest projects for the two organizations each year is Telemiracle, the 42nd edition scheduled for this March. Since its inception the annual telethon has raised almost $122 million.
“And it all stays in Saskatchewan to help residents,” she said.
The Kinsmen movement began Feb. 20, 1920, and to mark the anniversary a number of clubs across Canada, including Yorkton undertake a Day of Kindness. It is an opportunity to say thanks for support by doing things such as providing coffee to local firefighters and police, and bagging groceries for the public.
This year the day will be marked Saturday, Feb. 24 locally.
Where in the past the two local clubs have asked the City to mark Kin Week, Shah asked this year for it to by Kinsmen Kindness Month as a way to promote fundraising throughout the month.
Council was very supportive of the request.
“Everything you touch is gold,” said Councillor Darcy Zaharia, adding the Kinsmen and Kinettes have always been supportive of community projects. He pointed to personal experience through minor football as Kinsmen bought the first helmets for the group.
Coun. Mitch Hippsley agreed the clubs are great organization adding their community efforts should never be taken for granted in the City.
