At the February 28 Huntsville council meeting, members of the Kiwanis Club of Huntsville Muskoka requested permission to hang plaques at the Canada Summit Centre to recognize the importance and contributions of the service organization and its leaders.
“Most service clubs these days are not fortunate enough to have a permanent home to showcase their history for others to see, appreciate, and respect. We’re no different,” Rick Brooks, who currently serves as the organization’s secretary/treasurer, told council. “We’re about to enter our fifth year. As of August we will be five years old.”
Kiwanis is an international organization comprised of community volunteers who raise funds, support and create programs, and work with other community partners “so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive,” states the organization’s website.
Locally, initiatives include Kiwanis Sap Run for Kids, one of its first signature events in conjunction with Muskoka Maple Festival.
The club also supports events in favour of Salvation Army programs that share in a similar mission of supporting youth in the community, including Christmas in July and the Project Porchlight Food Drive in support of the Salvation Army Food Bank, Christmas kettles, and Adopt-a-Family.
Staples and Kiwanis also partner together for the back-to-school needs of youth in the community.
“Over the last 2 years we have delivered over $40,000 of much-needed supplies to schools and organizations from Gravenhurst to Burk’s Falls and Dwight,” states information shared by the club with council.
Other initiatives include a fundraising golf tournament in Port Sydney, support for snack and breakfast programs at schools, scholarships, and a host of other community initiatives like the Dwight Winter Carnival and the Santa Clause Parade.
You can find their full presentation here (pdf).
Deputy Mayor Nancy Alcock was the first to comment. She thanked the organization for everything they do and said she supports their request.
Councillor Jason FitzGerald echoed Alcock’s sentiments and thanked the service club for their work. He also said that, as a member of the Lions Club, it was a pleasure to work with the organization on food programs in schools.
Councillor Brian Thompson asked about the situation surrounding food insecurity and Brooks said it was becoming rampant. “We need to do as much as we can to help out those who can’t help themselves. It’s not a matter of giving a handout, it’s a matter of giving a hand up.”
Councillor Dan Armour also thanked the club for all it does. He asked what the plaque would say and also how to become a member.
Brooks said there would be a plaque for past presidents and one for the recognition of members of the year. “Those leaders, in whatever the organization is, really do need to be recognized,” noted Brooks.
He also told council anyone interested in becoming a member should email [email protected] for more information. The organization will be back to in-person meetings as of March 1.
Council voted unanimously in favour of giving the service organization a space for their plaques.
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