February 20, 2024
Manitoba Government Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg
– – –Feb. 20 Proclaimed Kinsmen Recognition Day in Manitoba: Simard
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The Manitoba government, in recognition of 100 years of service to the community, is declaring Feb. 20 as Kinsmen Recognition Day, Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Glen Simard announced today.
“For a century, the Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg has been a positive force of generosity in communities across Manitoba,” said Simard. “Like they have for a century, the Kinsmen Club continues to provide fellowship while actively promoting community involvement that addresses the needs of the community. Their day-to-day operations are emblematic of the kindness and generosity that makes friendly Manitoba one of the most welcoming places in the world.”
Founded in 1920, the Kinsmen Club began as a regional organization with clubs in Hamilton and Montreal. The Winnipeg chapter became a reality when one of the Montreal Kinsmen was transferred to Winnipeg in 1923. One year later, the Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg held its first general meeting on Feb. 20, 1924.
Since then, the Kinsmen Club has expanded across Western Canada and opened clubs in Atlantic Canada.
“The Winnipeg Kinsmen organization is built on the pillars of community service, fellowship and a genuine desire to improve the lives of those in need,” said Christian Tardi, president, Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg. “It is our belief that when people come together with a shared goal of giving back, incredible things can happen.”
Examples include a landmark $1-million donation to Homes for Heroes and funding for Ronald McDonald House Charities Manitoba, Bruce Oake Recovery Centre and Toba Centre. Winnipeg Kinsmen are also heavily involved with several organizations including Special Olympics Manitoba, Agape Table, the Dream Factory and Deer Lodge Centre.
Because the Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg has made such a positive contribution to the province for 100 years, Simard noted he has signed a proclamation declaring Feb. 20 as Kinsmen Recognition Day in Manitoba.
“This proclamation is a testament to our collective efforts,” said Tardi. “We are honoured to receive this recognition from the Manitoba government and are looking ahead to our second century of community service.”
“I am proud to sign this proclamation, which celebrates the enormous contribution that Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg has made to build a better province through a century of fundraising and volunteerism,” said Simard.
The Winnipeg Kinsmen also present Kinsmen Jackpot Bingo and the Kin Kar Raffle. Money raised from these two ongoing fundraisers has been used to start many projects over the years such as the Kinsmen Discovery Centre at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, Harvest Manitoba, Operation Go Home (Winnipeg), Easter Seals Manitoba and the Red River Exhibition.
For more information on the Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg, go to https://kinsmenclub.com/.
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