April/avril 2013

www.kincanada.ca

Volume 90 Issue 2

Kinsmen Fanshawe Sugar Bush Maple Festival

Official Publication of / Organe officiel de / Kin Canada

3 1 0 2 , 6 2 y a M , y a d n Su

u o y d l u o h s y h W e tak

?

In support of

REGISTER TODAY!

e h c n a m Le di

www.cysticfibrosis.ca/greatstrides • 1-800-378-2233

13 0 2 i a 26 m

i o u q Pour ciper à la parti he marc

?

Au profit de

INSCRIVEZ-VOUS

DÈS AUJOURD’HUI

www.fibrosekystique.ca/destinationguerison • 1-800-378-2233

President’s Message

Pulling Together! Teamwork! This is what Kin Canada does best, we work together (hence my theme this year, Pulling Together). I saw a perfect example of teamwork at Telemiracle in District 3. Over 1,500 Kin members volunteering for one project to make a difference in their communities. What a sight! It doesn’t matter if it is the entire District or a club of 6, by working together we have a better chance of getting the job done and the project complete with total success. With a project as large as Telemiracle there just isn’t any room for error, everyone knows what they need to do and they all step up to do it. We, as an Association, could learn so much by watching how this project is done and putting those ideas to work for every project we do. No more reinventing the wheel. Lets share our ideas, our successes and our failures. Imagine the amount of time and effort we would save by doing this. This is something that would help each club achieve the ultimate goal, serving the community’s greatest need.

Penny Lees-Smith President/ Président Kin Canada

Teamwork is what we need to see on every club executive, on every District council, on every National Committee and on the National Board of Directors. All of us Pulling Together for the same purpose, to move our Association into the future and to make our Community (whatever that may be) a better place to Learn, Grow, Make Friends and Have Fun. We also have to remember that there is no “them” or “us” in Kin. We are all members of the Association, we are all here because we felt a need to get out and help. We all put into Kin Canada as much as we can and we all should be proud of what we accomplish. Those who seek a higher office in our Association are no better than the grass roots member who is serving their community through their club. We are all here to make life better for someone else and sometimes we lose sight of that. No matter where you are or what you belong to there is always going to be issues and politics, what we need to remember is that each and

every one of us has the “Heart of Kin” or we wouldn’t be here. This is our family, full of different personalities and different ideas. Through teamwork we will continue to make Kin Canada an amazing organization, and we will continue to be a Family. To every member of Kin Canada and to their families who help out behind the scenes, thank you for Pulling Together! We can’t do it without you. Yours in Kin,

Concerter nos efforts! Travail d’équipe! Voilà ce que Kin sait le mieux faire: travailler ensemble (d’où mon thème cette année, Concerter nos efforts!). J’ai vu un exemple parfait de travail d’équipe au TéléMiracle du district 3. 1 500 membres Kin qui se portent bénévoles pour un projet afin de faire la différence dans leurs communautés, quel spectacle! Peu importe qu’il s’agisse d’un district entier ou d’un club de 6 membres, en travaillant ensemble, nous avons une meilleure chance d’accomplir le travail et que le projet se solde par un succès total. Avec un projet d’aussi grande envergure que le TéléMiracle, il n’y simplement pas de place pour l’erreur, tout le monde sait ce qu’il a à faire et n’hésite pas à s’avancer pour le faire.

Nous, en tant qu’association, aurions beaucoup à apprendre en observant comment ce projet est réalisé et en mettant ces idées en pratique dans chaque projet que nous entreprenons. Plus besoin de réinventer la roue. Partageons nos idées, nos succès et nos échecs. Imaginez le temps et l’effort que nous gagnerions en agissant de la sorte. Voilà quelque chose qui pourrait aider chaque club à atteindre le but ultime, celui de répondre aux besoins les plus criants de la collectivité. Travail d’équipe, voilà le mot qui doit rallier chaque direction de club, chaque conseil de district, chaque comité national et le conseil national d’administration. Nous tous “concertant nos efforts” en vue du même objectif, faire avancer notre

association vers le futur et faire de notre collectivité (quelle que puisse en être la nature) un meilleur endroit où grandir, apprendre, se faire des amis et avoir du plaisir. Nous devons également nous rappeler qu’il n’y a pas de ‘eux’ ou ‘nous’ chez les Kin. Nous sommes tous des membres de l’Association, nous sommes tous ici parce que nous avons senti le besoin de sortir et d’aider. Nous avons tous mis dans Kin Canada autant que nous pouvons mettre, et nous devrions être fiers de ce que nous accomplissons. Ceux qui aspirent à des postes plus élevés dans notre association ne valent pas mieux que le membre de la base qui sert sa collectivité par le biasis de son club. Suite à la page 20 April 2013 KIN Magazine

1

Executive Director & CEO’s Message

Leveraging Our National Size Decades ago, when Kin’s membership was at its peak, we moved mountains by all working together for a common cause. Just ask the British families who received milk in the 1940’s. We still can today, maybe the mountains are just a little bit smaller. National President Penny emphasizes the importance of Pulling Together. The talk in recent years of needing to all row in the same direction has mostly been about what we can accomplish when we do. The results are inspiring. But there is a flip side – the consequences of not doing so. You don’t have to look far today to see that “bigger” is winning the day. Small local shops are becoming a thing of the past because they can’t compete with the big box stores. Those who are able to leverage their size have a major advantage.

away from the combined advantages of being one national association, to taking local directions. One can guess that as clubs and districts built their regional histories and gradually began to lose a connection to the national Association, they launched more and more of their own individual initiatives and programs. Kin being Kin, when people saw a gap, they took it upon themselves to fill it; but not always with the whole picture in mind. That trend has resulted in a patchwork of programs, duplications and continually “reinvented wheels.” At a time when we have to be more careful than ever of how we use our resources and are facing ever increasing competition, this surely can’t be a good thing.

Kin Canada may not be the size it once was, but we can still be a force that can exert considerable influence. We saw it a few years ago when we pushed Founder Hal to number 22 on CBC’s Greatest Canadian program, or more recently with the collective nation-wide voting for Kaiden’s Care Kits.

In discussions with governors, there’s a growing realization that this is moving us in the opposite direction of leveraging our collective strengths. It’s a characteristic of Kin I’ve always found puzzling, especially with so much evidence of what can be achieved together, as NP Penny illustrates.

It seems that some years ago, a trend started within Kin to move

I’m a strong supporter of local autonomy. I think it’s one of the true

Ric McDonald Executive Director & CEO/ directeur administratif Kin Canada

advantages of Kin when it comes to service work. Our challenge is to find a balance for today – one that preserves autonomy where it matters but sees us make proper use of our collective strength for developing and delivering programs, training and even service. It’s time to rethink our fragmented approach, to

improve

consistency

and reduce the strain on volunteers that duplication causes. To leverage our size, we have to become much better at thinking and acting as a unified Association – at all levels and across all districts. Our future growth depends on it. Yours in Kin,

Multiplier notre envergure nationale Il y a des décennies, alors que les effectifs de Kin étaient à leur apogée, nous déplacions des montagnes en travaillant tous ensemble pour une cause commune. Demandez-le à ces familles britanniques qui ont reçu du lait durant les années 1940. Nous pouvons toujours le faire aujourd’hui. Sauf que la taille des montagnes est peut-être un peu plus petite.

2

KIN Magazine April 2013

La présidente nationale Penny met en relief l’importance de concerter nos efforts. Nos discussions des récentes années à l’effet que nous devons tous ramer dans la même direction ont porté principalement sur ce que nous pouvons accomplir quand nous le faisons. Les résultats sont inspirants. Mais il y a un revers à la médaille – les conséquences de ne pas le faire.

On n’a pas besoin de regarder bien loin aujourd’hui pour comprendre que les « gros » sont en train de remporter la mise. Les petits commerces locaux sont en train de devenir chose du passé parce qu’ils ne peuvent concurrencer les magasins à grande surface. Ceux qui sont capables de multiplier leur taille possèdent un avantage majeur. Suite à la page 20

Contents | Matières

12

8

IN EVERY ISSUE

FEATURE STORIES

President’s Message............................ 1 Penny Lees-Smith

Telemiracle Kinsmen Foundation .........5

Executive Director’s Message............. 2 Ric McDonald Editor’s Message.................................. 4 Nadyne Esson Risk Management.............................. 16 Kin Announcements......................... 21

En Francais Message du président......................... 1 Penny Lees-Smith Message du directeur administratif........................................ 2 Ric McDonald

5

Photography by: Bruce Blom

$100 Million Mark in 37th Year This year’s total $5,546,712 Coast-to-Coast Club News......................6 Mamma Mia! Now That’s a Fundraiser Fishing Tackle Show Freezin’ For a Reason - Polar Bear Dip Here We Grow Again Kinsmen Fanshawe Sugar Bush Maple Festival......................................................8 Celebrating 40 Years of Sweetness! Putting Our Best Foot Forward..............10 Recruiting in our communities The Positive Results of Kindness..........12

Let’s Make Every Day, Earth Day...........14 Good reasons to recycle rainwater To Inflate or Not to Inflate?...................16 Keep it safe for all, and inflate your profits Kinvention 2013 .....................................18 Message from Chair of National Convention Committee National Awards & Recognition............19 2012-2013 Award Recipients July 1, 2012 - March 31, 2013 Founder’s Award GEM Award Maple Leaf Award of Distinction

What stood out most for you and your club on National KINdness Day?

WRITE US! If you have an opinion, question or suggestion, please write us at [email protected] and include your full name, address and phone number. Or mail us at: Letters to the Editor, KIN Magazine, 1920 Rogers Drive, Box 3460, Cambridge, ON N3H 5C6. We reserve the right to edit for length, grammar and clarity.

April 2013 KIN Magazine

3

Editor’s Message I would like to begin my first editorial by thanking the past editor of KIN Magazine, Karen Piovaty, for all of her hard work and contributions to Kin Canada over the past two years. She will defnintely be missed and we all wish her the very best - living her dream!

Nadyne Esson, Editor

As I begin my new journey with Kin Canada, I am looking forward to connecting and collaborating with members. I am honoured to be the new editor of this publication, acting on behalf of an extraordinary team of volunteers, who collectively, impact so many lives.

I can’t wait to hear as many stories as possible so that I can learn about the world of Kin, its history, and of course, our founder Hal. Stories inspire, so I would like to invite all members, past and present, to contact me with comments, ideas, stories and pictures. I love getting mail and asking questions, just ask poor Melina. Together - we will continue to produce an entertaining and informative national magazine, that is driven by the membership. Lauren did a great job last month launching Kin Canada’s new website. We hope everyone has had a chance to try out some new features and resources. Websites are always a work-in-progress, so please check back often for updates and discussions. In this edition, Cristen, our Service Coordinator, highlights National Day of KINdess. Over 100 clubs participated with an estimated 4,500 acts of kindness being performed across Canada. Bick, our Member Relations Coordinator, features some trendy ideas for Putting Our Best Foot Forward when recruiting in our communities. Melanie, our Risk Management Coordinator, has provided an article on inflatable devices so your club can keep it safe this summer while inflating your profits. Our June print edition will feature an article on Telemiracle and its history with Kin Canada, a Kinsman celebrating 50 years as a member plus convention highlights and more. Always keeping in mind - WWHD,

KIN Magazine April/avril 2013



Volume 90 Issue 2

Publisher KIN CANADA Editor NADYNE ESSON Advertising 800-742-5546, ext. 204 [email protected] A D M I N I S T R AT I O N Executive Director and CEO

RIC McDONALD [email protected] • EXT. 216

Office Manager

CARMEN PRESTON [email protected] • EXT. 205

Administrative Assistant

BAS ZAK [email protected] • EXT. 215

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S / M A R K E T I N G Communications Coordinator

LAUREN MacDONALD [email protected] • EXT. 203

Marketing Coordinator

NADYNE ESSON [email protected] • EXT. 204

MEMBERSHIP Member Relations Coordinator

BICK TRINH [email protected] • EXT. 207

Membership Services Coordinator

MELINA HAYWARD [email protected] • EXT. 201

Risk Management Coordinator MéLANIE NIESON [email protected] • EXT. 208

Service Coordinator

CRISTEN QUIGLEY [email protected] • EXT. 206

Kin Canada National Headquarters 1920 Rogers Drive, P.O. Box 3460 Cambridge, ON N3H 5C6 519-653-1920•800-742-5546•Fax: 519-650-1091 General email: [email protected]

KIN CANADA 2012-13 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS Harold A. Rogers, O.C., O.B.E., Founder,1899-1994

Corrections from the February 2013 Issue Keeping Hal’s Dream Alive - page 16 (WWII should read WWI) (with his fellow servicemen in WWI and when he returned from WWI). This correction was sent in by Gordon McNair, Governor District III - 1986-1987, along with a few stories. McNair, who was very fortunate to have met Hal on several occassions wrote, “I found Mr. Hal Rogers the most interesting & witty man I’ve had the privilege to listen to.” Thank you Gordon for your loyalty and contribution to KIN Magazine.

Kin Canada Mission

Kin Canada is committed to changing lives and making Canadian communities a better place to live. La mission de Kin Canada

Changer des vies et faire des communautés canadiennes de meilleurs endroits où vivre.

4

KIN Magazine April 2013

Penny Lees-Smith....................National President Melodie LeMoeligou................National Vice President David W. Ronson.....................National Service Director/ Past National President Lori Miles.................................National Director Ron Hanishewsky....................National Director Cathy Irvine.............................National Director Jon Clint...................................National Director Gary Newton...........................National Director Mitchell E. Freeman.................National Director Neil Benjamin..........................National Director Darrell Cooper.........................National Director

Serving the Community’s Greatest Need™ KIN Magazine (ISSN00231-1436) PM 40064899 E16999 is published five times a year (three print/two online) by Kin Canada, 1920 Rogers Drive, Cambridge, ON N3H 5C6. Printer: Ricter Web Printing Ltd., Brantford, ON. Postage paid at Brantford, ON. Publication Mail Registration Number 1365118. Postage paid in cash at third class rates. Non-member subscription rate: $10 CDN a year. KIN Magazine does not endorse the products it advertises. The publisher does not assume any responsibility by warranty or otherwise with respect to products or services advertised. Copyright 2013 by Kin Canada. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Not responsible for unsolicited material. Articles and photographs become the property of the publisher and will not be returned without a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Kin Canada, KIN CANADA Crest, Serving the Community’s Greatest Need are trademarks of Kin Canada. Printed in Canada.

Photography by: Bruce Blom

Telemiracle Kinsmen Foundation

“The total that put Telemiracle over the $100 million mark!” By Joan Steckhan, Executive Director, Kinsmen Foundation For the 37th year in a row, District III Kin gathered on

mobility equipment, in-home special needs equipment,

March 2 & 3, 2013 to help produce our Saskatchewan Miracle.

travel costs to get to medical facilities, community vans

Over the years, Kinsmen Telemiracle has become a

and equipment in hospitals and health centres.

cultural icon and institution in the province. “This year’s

“We know support for Telemiracle is strong,” said Kelly

total of $5,546,712 was outstanding. Kelly Watson and his

Watson, Telemiracle Chair and Swift Current Kinsman.

Committee did a stellar job,” said Tracy Malayney, Chair

“During this year’s show, we broke the $100,000,000 mark

of the Kinsmen Foundation.” As Kin, we look forward to

in total funds raised. The show went on to raise another

volunteering at Telemiracle every year. This is a very real

$2,000,000 after that. People in Saskatchewan know and

way that we can gather as Kin, raise money and then turn

appreciate where the money goes – so they keep giving.”

it over to our Kinsmen Foundation to give away.” Funds are provided to Saskatchewan people and organizations that need special equipment or access to medical attention. The Kinsmen Foundation is able to gift items, such as April 2013 KIN Magazine

5

Coast-to-Coast Club News

Mamma Mia!

Now That’s a Fundraiser

#1

Kinette - Diane Plante

L to R: Kinsmen Rick Westbrook, Gil Boissonneault and contest winner, Michael Mullin.

BY RON lafreniÈre, kinsmen club of timmins/photography by Benjamin AubÉ

TIMMINS, ON - The Kinsmen Club of Timmins held their first pasta supper fundraiser - with a twist - at Lord’s Kitchen (the recipient of the fundraiser) on Saturday, March 2nd. We charged $10 per adult and $7 per child for an all-you-can-eat dinner. For a first time event, I must say, it was certainly successful. Even the cupcakes that we had for dessert had a pasta theme thanks to Kinette Diane Plante of the Kinette Club of Timmins. We had judges for the best pasta sauce which included myself, our local MPP Gilles Bisson and Sal Rizzuto of the Kinsmen Club of Porcupine/General Manager of Porcupine Dante Club. There were three categories for the best pasta sauce: bolognese, neapolitan and arrabbiata. Michael Mullin was presented with a ribbon and bragging rights for his award winning sauce and won the title for the open challenge.

6

KIN Magazine April 2013

Without revealing too many details, Mullin explained the secret behind his now famous meat sauce. “What’s my secret? T-L-C,” said Mullin. “Tender-loving-care, that’s all. Lots of patience, lots of time. I love to cook, but I’m not a chef. It’s just my special little recipe. It’s an all-day process, but it’s good when it’s done. I think, anyway.” It should also be noted that out of this project the Kinsmen Club of Timmins not only got one potential new member - but two. A father and son team who will be at our next Kinsmen meeting. Many thanks goes out to Sue Lafrenière and Lucie Boissonneault of the Kinette Club of Timmins for their help, as well as all of volunteers.

Coast-to-Coast Club News

Fishing

Tackle Show bY bRIAN bARNES, CO-CHAIR, kinsmen club of trenton

400 goody bags were handed out by 12:30. The bags were donated by CFB Trenton. TRENTON, on - The Kinsmen Club of Trenton held their 14th Annual Fishing Tackle Show on Sunday, March 3rd. It was the best show that we have had to date and we had 100% attendance from the club. We raised just over $1,200. The money is not earmarked to any single project, it is used in our donations to support the Fare Share Food Bank, Kinsmen Toy Drive and Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

Freezin’ For a Reason Polar Bear Dip BY JOn Donley, kinsmen Club of barrie Photography by Brian Backland

barrie, ON - This year Kin John Donley and Kinette Celine Dube took the plunge at the Innisfil Winterfest. Kin John braved the frigid waters of Lake Simcoe on February 23rd wearing a blue tutu and coconut bra for the dip. The dip and outfit were pay-off

for a bet made between Kin John and Kin Marc Dube. John challenged Marc to raise over $4,000 for Cystic Fibrosis through his annual Golf Fore Gabrielle Tournament. Kin Marc was up to the challenge and made over $5,000.

Here We Grow Again!

This was a fun day for all our members and a great introduction to Kinsmen for our 5 new members. We opened the doors at 9am, and by 11am, we had handed out over 200 goody bags. We ran out of 400 goody bags by 12:30. We charged $2 at the door for visitors and $10 a table for vendors. “It’s not a big fundraiser,” Bill Newbery, who has been a Kinsmen for 35 years, admits. The club has noticed an increase in attendance since creating a page on Facebook where you can find out what’s going on. Our attendance topped 580 people this year.

CALGARY, AB - On March 13th the Calgary Kinettes installed three new members, Pam Rothweiler, Shawna McLeish, and Allyson Palaschuk by President Dani Savell. A great evening was had by all! April 2013 KIN Magazine

7

Coast-to-Coast Club News

Kinsmen Fanshawe Sugar

Sweetness...

Celebrating 40 Years of The West London Kinsmen started the pancake kitchen

come from several areas including Craigwood Youth

for the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority,

Services, the London Cystic Fibrosis Chapter, the London

at the Fanshawe Sugar Bush, in 1972. The project was

Celebrates Canada Day Committee, Fanshawe College,

carried on by the East London Kinsmen in 1975.

the University of Western Ontario, and many local high

The East London Kinsmen built the covered pavilion for the picnic tables in the late 70's and enclosed the eating

This year, being our 40th, our name changed to the

area in the 80's. The Pancake house seats 90 and is heated

Kinsmen Fanshawe Sugar Bush Maple Festival. Each

by two wood stoves.

Weekend we provide different activities: Blessing of the

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority provided tours until the 90's for the general public and schools. The French language community provided the opening

Forest Ceremony and the Red Sky Drummers, Wood Carver demonstration by Ted Hayes and Old Tyme Fiddling by the Crowley Family.

ceremonies each year with music and traditional

Our attendance records this year have surpassed previous

maple taffy.

ones. Our syrup production, thanks to the great weather,

The Kinsmen Club of London and the East London

has been excellent.

Kinsmen joined in 1995 making the Greater London

Our clubs look forward to the spring season every year.

Kinsmen Club. It is the Greater London Kinsmen and the

Many ask why we put so much time and effort into a

Kinette Club of London that run the Kinsmen Fanshawe

single project. The answer is simple - we sell our maple

Sugar Bush today. They took over running the historical

products all year round at other events and venues, but

tours and the task of learning how to make maple syrup.

most of all we love sharing the Canadiana experience of

This event has been part of the school’s curriculum and

running a maple sugar bush. We feel that is what KIN is

community for over 40 years!

all about!

This is a very unique sugar bush as it is the only one in Ontario completely staffed and operated by volunteers. That uniqueness has gained us exposure on many tourist information sites, as well as many other websites. Our sugar bush is a teaching bush, as we demonstrate how syrup has been made since the earliest times, including production methods done by First Nations peoples, the pioneers and right up to modern methods. Visitors are encouraged to tap a tree and hang a bucket to collect sap. We are also a syrup producing bush. We have partnered with Craigwood Youth Services on the production side, which includes cutting and splitting over 100 cords of wood each year. The pancake house offers our visitors a place to try our world famous pancakes and our syrup. it takes about 25 volunteers each day to operate the bush, provide the tours and feed the crowds. We treat up to 1,000 per day during weekends in March. Volunteers

8

schools.

KIN Magazine April 2013

Bush Maple Festival! by life member - CAROL COOPER Kinette club of london

“We love sharing the Canadiana experience!” April 2013 KIN Magazine

9

Member Recruitment

Recruiting in our communities...

Putting Our Best In the past, the month of April has always been recruitment-focused. But, as we know, recruiting happens all year long. When recruiting happens all year long, it is less overwhelming on clubs as it becomes part of the ongoing activities. It also allows for flexibility in case clubs are operating on different schedules.

OPPORTUNITIES

Here are a few tips on how we can put our best foot forward when recruiting in our community.

PROMOTE

DON’T BE SHY! Ask acquaintances to be part of your club or volunteer at one of your events. If they don’t commit right away to becoming a member, that’s okay.

INVITE Bring a friend to a meeting or social gathering.

10

KIN Magazine April 2013

Clubs have projects, fundraisers, socials and other activities all year long. These are all great opportunities to connect with potential new members. Rather than having a booth at the local mall, have a booth at YOUR own event (wear your Kin shirts!)

Whether you’re promoting name brand shoes or your grandma’s knitted booties, you will need to know your product and know how to sell it. Ensure you have an evaluator pitch ready or some marketing materials handy for distribution.

CONNECT Reach out to local high schools, institutions and libraries to inform students on how they can complete their community service hours.

Member Recruitment

Foot Forward by bick trinh, member relations coordinator

SOCIAL MEDIA

MAKE EVERY VOLUNTEER FEEL SPECIAL

Post your upcoming events anywhere you can on the internet at least a few weeks before so people can share and spread the word online to promote your events, projects or fundraisers. The first thing people do when searching online is to ‘google’ who you are. If you don’t exist, they move on.

National Volunteer Week is April 21 - 27th. This is a great opportunity to acknowledge and thank your members and transactional volunteers. When volunteers feel valued, they are more likely to help promote or join your club. This is also a great opportunity to plug upcoming projects and events.

SWITCH-IT-UP

BE THE BRAND

If your club is active during warmer weather then have a meeting outside. Keep the business meeting light and include a fun social to cap the night off.

Anytime clubs are out in the community they’re representing Kin Canada. Being aware of your surroundings is important; the public is watching.

COMBINE RESOURCES Ask your auxiliary clubs and members to assist with large or summer projects. Work with neighbouring clubs and host an inter-club recruitment drive.

HAND-OUTS Like the KINdness Day calling cards, create a card that is personalized to you or your club – something to hand out to prospects.

MAKE IT FUN! When you have fun, people will notice and gravitate towards what’s trending. Whether you’re on hiatus or revving up your biggest summer project, at every opportunity, always remember to put your best foot forward! Before you know it, you’ll be making major strides to success.

HOLD A SPECIAL GUEST DAY Invite a 4H or Toastmaster member to speak at your meeting. It’ll be a nice tie in as members are competing for the Founding Member Speaking Award. Always plan ahead and allow for sufficient time when booking an external guest.

April 2013 KIN Magazine

11

Service Projects

The Positive Resu What stood out for you or your club most on Yesterday was “KINdness” day. In the morning my boys and I went to the local drive-thru and bought the truck behind us breakfast and also 18 cups of coffee to be distributed in the restaurants, each cup receiving a “random act of kindness” card. Last night my boys were going to the Tisdale Trojan hockey game when a guy came up to my son and gave him a free game pass and said “it’s a random act of kindness”! Wow, how cool is that? I just smiled from ear-to-ear. It’s amazing how good things spread so quickly...” ~ Dawn Stacey Hudye-Johnson, Kinette Club of Tisdale Kin John Emerson, who lives alone, was driven to his surgery by one Greater London Kin Bob Boone and was picked up by another Kin, Graham Johnson. ~ Carol Cooper, Life Member, Kinette Club of London

I opened the door, brought out groceries to their car, brought back carts to the store. People were asking if I would come back Monday. LOL. I would tell them, it only happens once a year, then we would all laugh cause I do this all the time. But giving that card out to them meant they in return had to do something nice for somebody. I loved it, had a great time, and will do it again next year. ~ Susan Pelland, Kinette Club of Vermilion Bay Day 1 of the Stettler Kinettes’ 28 Days of KINdness was a basket for the first baby born in our KINdness month at Stettler Hospital. ~ Jacquie Mvula, Kinette Club of Stettler I got a huge hug simply for helping load groceries into a vehicle!! I love this event. ~ Tricia Clarke, Kinette Club of Oakville

12

KIN Magazine April 2013

Service Projects

ults of Kindness National KINdness Day?

by cristen quigley, service coordinator

Upon handing a hot chocolate package with our KINdness card attached to a young lady on the street corner: “I just lost my father this morning, thanks for this, it’s making me smile.” When handing a 649 ticket with our KINdness card attached to the fellow washing windows on the main street: “Thank you so much, the sun just came out.” When leaving a local restaurant and having handed out KINdness cards and tickets, toonies and chocolates to many of the patrons, we stopped at the manager and hostess and told them what we’d done and wished them a wonderful day: “God bless you ladies for what you do!” YUP .. probably the best feel good day I’ve ever had in Kin .. how about you? ~ Monika Coxon McKean, Kinette Club of Collingwood

William and I went all over town handing out Tim Horton gift cards with the KINdness Day insert. One place we went was the hospital to share with the hard-working nurses amoung many others. What a great experience to share with my son. I think we had bigger smiles on our faces than those we surprised. And I was given a great idea by a local RCMP member that will be the focus of my next President’s page. ~ Penny Lees-Smith, President, Kin Club of Drayton Valley

We paid for a young lady’s groceries. When I explained what we were doing and why, she burst into tears. I told her not to cry - just pass it on. She said, “I swear I will. This is amazing!”

I was on the road on Saturday, so when I went through the Timmie’s drive-thru I paid for the order behind me. The thanks I got from the staff at the window was heartwarming. And of course I did take the time to explain that it was our National Day of KINdness, and that the coffee was courtesy of a member of Kin Canada.

~ Marni De Roche, Kinette Club of Hamilton-Stoney Creek

~ Karen Coutts, Kinette Club of Walkerton April 2013 KIN Magazine

13

Service Projects

Let’s Make Every Day, by cristen quigley, service coordinator

Harvesting rainwater with rain barrels, an old idea with a new following. 1

Collecting rainwater for use during dry months in rain barrels or other depositories is an ancient and traditional practice. Historical records show that rainwater was collected in simple clay containers as far back as 2,000 years ago in Thailand, and throughout other areas of the world after that. Today’s homeowners are turning to harvesting rainwater to not only save money but to protect our natural resources.1 You can visit www.cleanairgardening.com/rainbarrels for more information and ideas.

Good reasons to recycle rainwater. 1. It’s FREE! - lowers your water bills. 2. Soft, chlorine-free water helps produce greener gardens. 3. Watering plants with luke warm water reduces shock and damping-off of transplants. 4. Rainwater can aid self-sufficiency, providing a back-up supply in case of water restrictions. 5. Helps to direct water away from building foundations. 6. Reduces storm run-off into local creeks and harbours. 7. Reduces energy used by municipalities to treat and pump potable water and sewage. 8. Using rainwater to wash your car doesn’t leave spots. 9. Conserves water during hot, dry summer months.

14

KIN Magazine April 2013

Service Projects

Earth Day! With spring right around the corner, it’s time to start to thinking about being outdoors and being active in your community. Here are some initiatives to consider when thinking about your spring projects and how you can make the community you live in a little greener! Plant a tree, organize a park clean-up or trail hike to promote environmental issues in your community. Visit www.earthday.ca for more ideas and information. Selling rain barrels is an easy, environmentally-friendly fundraising idea for your club and it is very simple. Just register online at www.rainbarrel.ca and they will provide you with all the resources you’ll need to set up and run a rain barrel sale in your community. Taking part in green initiatives is a great way to get outside and enjoy the spring. It gets your members active in the community and provides a wonderful opportunity to interact with those around you. Talk about what you love most about being a member of Kin. That, combined with the great experience of taking part in an environmentally-friendly activity, will leave a strong positive image in their minds and who knows? It might even bring in a new member!

Rainwater makes your garden smile!

1

1

www.cleanairgardening.com/rainbarrels.html

April 2013 KIN Magazine

15

Risk Management

To Inflate or Not to Inflate? by scott syrie, national risk management committee

Your club has come up with an idea to inflate its profit dollars at an event by either purchasing or renting an inflatable device. Have you considered the risks and the safety issues? What’s involved to even get started? The following article will make you more aware of what is involved, the possible hazards and the necessary regulations that come with buying or renting an inflatable device.

LAWS AND REGULATIONS First, please keep in mind each province and territory have different laws and regulations, and you should consult your local authorities. For example in Ontario, all inflatables that are purchased fall under the TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) amusement devices section. These devices include roller coasters, ferris wheels, water slides, go-karts and inflatable/bounce devices. TSSA in Ontario, review and register amusement ride designs, conduct inspections and license devices when they conform to the act, regulations and adopted codes and standards. If your club owns the device there are fees and special forms you will need to complete to become an operator of an inflatable/bounce device. Basically, you fall under the same category as someone who owns and operates carnival rides. When you rent an inflatable, the owner of the inflatable is responsible for the inspections and fees associated with the inflatable/bounce device. However, the liability of renting one of these devices for your event is not all removed from your club. Your club will still be required to carry insurance and report it to National Headquarters. 16

KIN Magazine April 2013

When renting the device it is good practice to make sure the inflatable conforms to the TSSA regulations, has a TSSA licence and has a sticker of inspection.

SUPERVISION Once your device is ready to go you must be prepared to keep your guests safe. Supervision and restricting the number of children inside the device are key elements. Do not mix larger children with smaller ones. Shoes should not be worn inside an inflatable but socks should be worn at all times for health reasons. Keep it safe for all and inflate your profits.

Risk Management

...That is the Question! SAFETY TIPS You can help reduce your liability exposure by following a few safety tips while setting up the device.

1 First select a site and prepare it for the inflatable. 2

Find a grassy area or flat surface away from buildings, trees and other obstacles.

3

It would be best to know where underground pipes, gas lines or wires are as you will be pounding in stakes.

4

If you are using sand bags make sure sticks and twigs are all cleaned up in the area where the inflatable will go.

5 All inflatables need an electrical source. Make

sure you use a ground fault device with all cords. Keep any other electrical wires away from the top and sides of the device.

6

Be aware of the size of the inflatable and keep a minimum of one foot circumference around it. Find where the air intake is and keep three to six feet of area clear.

7

If you have food or drink areas around the inflatable keep it at a safe distance.

8

Keep animals and sharp objects away from the device as well.

Keep it safe for all, and inflate your profits! April 2013 KIN Magazine

17

Kinvention 2013 © Barrett & MacKay Photo, courtesy of Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism

by Gail Brittain, national convention committee

To register for Mummers Kinvene, August 14 to 17, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, please visit the national website at www.kincanada.ca/national-convention. The Kinette Club of Mt. Pearl is busy putting together a memorable National Convention. With thirty-four ladies working together to take care of your every whim, you know this will be a very special event. Download your registration form and reserve your hotel online today. The Delta Hotel, where all events will take place, is the premier hotel in St. John’s. It is right in the middle of downtown St. John’s, where you will have easy access to shops, restaurants, pubs, bars, museums, services and the liquor store is just across the street. Talk about convenience! But wait, what about those of you who would like to see a little more of St. John’s or the rest of this great province? You can just look under optional tours and you will have one of the city’s top tour Companies, McCarthy’s Party, working on your behalf. They have several tours arranged, from visits to Historic Signal Hill to Lighthouses, Outports and Whale Watching. For those who just want to relax and be pampered, this too can be arranged at The Spa at the Monastery. For a true Newfoundland Pub Crawl make sure you sign up for Thursday Night’s “Rally in the Alley.” This will be a highlight of your visit. The night begins with a traditional Newfoundland “scoff” and continues with music, storytelling and dance as you visit some of the famous George Street pubs. The evening ends with a dance until the wee hours with Life Member Peter Noel’s band, One Night Stand. No need for a hospitality suite this evening!

18

KIN Magazine April 2013

Mount Pearl sits alongside St. John’s and it is there that the family of Kin will take part in a Heritage Project in partnership with the St. John’s Ice Caps. Mayor Randy Simms is excited to be a part of Mummers Kinvene 2013 and very pleased that Kin Delegates will get to visit the home of the Kinette Club of Mount Pearl. Come out and help develop a lasting memory of your time in Newfoundland. Whether you come early or stay late, take a little extra time to enjoy this beautiful province. For information on travel, hotels, tours or any other tourist concerns, contact Travel Professional International. Their site can be found on kincanada.ca/national-convention. They can help you with your convention plans or any extended stay. Each day will begin with a hearty breakfast before “kinvening” to take care of the business of Kin. All meetings, workshops, guest speakers as well as the National Speak Off will take place in the state of the art meeting rooms at the Delta Hotel. In the evenings, these rooms will be transformed to host your Friday night Service Banquet, where we will celebrate the many successes of Kin Canada for 2012-2013 and Saturday night’s Presidents Gala, where we will pay homage to our outgoing President Penny Lees-Smith and welcome our incoming President, Melodie LeMoeligou. Fellow Kin, what are you waiting for? Be a part of this very exciting National Convention. Our doors are open, the pantry is stocked and folks are ready to “bend the floor.” So go online! You know you wanna be part of Mummers Kinvene 2013.

National Awards & Recognition

Award Recipients January 1st - March 31st, 2013 1

Kinette Club of Chesley

$ 200

1

Kinette Club of Clinton

1

(July 1, 2012 - March 31, 2013) FOUNDER’S AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT Dave Crowley

Kinsmen Club of Greater London

1 F

$ 100

Shane Walsh

Kinsmen Club of Cayuga

1 D

Kinette Club of Guelph

$ 50

Jacquie Muvla

Kinette Club of Stettler

4 F

1

Kinsmen Club of Sarnia

$ 100

2

Kinette Club of Brandon

$ 50

Lynn Croft

Kinette Club of Wetaskiwin

4 B

2

Kinette Club of Stonewall

$ 200

Doug Anthony

Kin Club of Russell

6 B

Deborah Corpe

Kin Club of Lakeshore

8 D

2

Kinsmen Club of Flin Flon

$ 500

Grant Miller

Kinsmen Club of Oshawa

8 I

3

Kinette Club of Tisdale

$ 75

MAPLE LEAF AWARD OF DISTINCTION Angela Westman

Kinette Club of Walkerton

1 J

Michelle Galbraith

Kinette Club of Tara & District

1 J

Teri Dousselaere

Kinette Club of Brandon

2 F

Mitchell Gardipee

Kinsmen Club of Kerrobert

3 C

Ashley Fox

Kinette Club of Lethbridge

4 F

GEM AWARD

3

Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon

$ 2000

4

Kinette Club of High River

$ 50

4

Kinette Club of Stampede City

$ 2500

4

Kinette Club of Stettler

$ 1300

5

Kin Club of Armstrong

$ 500

Debra Brown

Kinette Club of Leduc

4 B

5

Kinette Club of Coquitlam

$ 100

Gayle Bates

Kinette Club of Lethbridge

4 F

5

Kinsmen Club of Kitimat

$ 100

Stacey Gordon

Kinette Club of Leduc

4 B

5

Kinsmen Club of Ladner-Tsawwassen $ 500

Susie Bettger

Kinette Club of Lethbridge

4 F

6

Kinsmen Club of Campbellford

$ 500

Jim Delcourt

Kinsmen Club of Ladysmith

5 D

Sarah Crampton

Kinsmen Club of Kitimat

5 G

7

Kinette Club of Sackville

$ 300

Jason Escaler

Kinsmen Club of Kitimat

5 G

7

Kinsmen Club of Liverpool

$ 1000

Rachel Stelmacker Kinsmen Club of Kitimat

5 G

7

Kinsmen Club of Sackville

$ 2500

Bill McInnis

Kin Club of Russell

6 B

8

Kinsmen Club of Barrie

$ 200

Connie Johnston

Kin Club of Russell

6 B

8

Kinsmen Club of Lindsay

$ 250

Helen Meinzinger

Kin Club of Russell

6 B

John Warren

Kin Club of Russell

6 B

8

Kinsmen Club of Milton

$ 200

Kim Bowles

Kin Club of Russell

6 B



Total

Pat Hunter

Kin Club of Russell

6 B

Rory Dafoe

Kin Club of Russell

6 B

Sebastien Pilon

Kin Club of Russell

6 B

Ben Bishop

Kinsmen Club of Sackville (NS)

7 B

Scott Chahley

Kinsmen Club of Sackville (NS)

7 B

$ 13,275

Call 1-800-742-5546 to make a donation.

Thank You / Merci!

April 2013 KIN Magazine

19

President/Executive Director & CEO’s Message

message du président / directeur administratif

Concerter nos efforts! Suite de la page 1

Nous sommes tous là pour rendre la vie meilleure à quelqu’un d’autre et nous perdons parfois cela de vue. Peu importe qui vous êtes et ce à quoi vous appartenez, il y aura toujours des enjeux et du « politique » ; ce que nous devons nous rappeler est que chacun et chacune de nous a « le caractère unique de Kin » sans

quoi nous ne serions pas ici. Ceci est notre famille, pleine de personnalités différentes et d’idées différentes.

et à sa famille qui donne un coup de pouce en coulisse, merci de « concerter vos efforts ».

Grâce au travail d’équipe, nous allons continuer de faire de Kin Canada une organisation admirable, et nous allons continuer d’être une famille. À chaque membre de Kin Canada

Nous ne pourrions y arriver sans vous. Longue vie à Kin!

Multiplier notre envergure nationale Suite de la page 1

Kin Canada n’a peut-être pas la taille qu’elle avait, mais nous pouvons toujours être une force qui peut exercer une influence considérable. Nous l’avons vu il y a quelques années avec la propulsion du fondateur Hal au 22e rang de l’émission CBC’s Greatest Canadian program, ou plus récemment avec le vote collectif à l’échelle nationale en faveur de Kaiden’s Care Kits. Il semble qu’il y a quelques années de cela, une tendance s’est amorcée au sein de Kin pour s’éloigner des avantages combinés d’être une seule association nationale pour prendre des directions locales. On peut deviner qu’à mesure que les clubs et les districts ont forgé leurs histoires régionales et ont commencé à perdre la connexion avec l’association nationale, ils ont lancé de plus en plus d’initiatives et de programmes individuels. Kin étant Kin, quand les gens ont vu un écart, ils ont pris sur

20

KIN Magazine April 2013

eux-mêmes de le combler ; mais ça n’a pas toujours été avec le portrait complet à l’esprit. Cette tendance s’est soldée par une mosaïque de programmes, de duplications et de « roues continuellement réinventées ». À une époque où nous devons être plus attentifs que jamais à la façon d’utiliser nos ressources et où nous sommes confrontés à une concurrence de plus en plus forte, ça ne peut être une bonne chose. Dans nos discussions avec les gouverneurs, on se rend compte de plus en plus que ceci nous déplace dans une direction opposée à la multiplication de nos forces collectives. C’est une caractéristique de Kin que j’ai toujours trouvée curieuse, en particulier avec autant d’évidence à propos de ce qu’on peut réaliser ensemble, comme l’illustre la présidente nationale Penny.

Je suis un fervent partisan de l’autonomie locale. Je pense que c’est l’un des avantages de Kin lorsqu’il s’agit de travail de service. Aujourd’hui, notre défi consiste à trouver un équilibre – équilibre qui préservera l’autonomie là où ça compte mais qui fera en sorte que nous fassions bon usage de nos forces collectives pour développer et livrer des programmes, de la formation et même des services. Il est temps de repenser notre approche fragmentée, d’améliorer notre cohérence et de réduire la tension que la duplication exerce sur les bénévoles. Pour multiplier notre envergure, nous devons devenir bien meilleurs à penser et à agir en tant qu’association unifiée et ce, à tous les paliers et dans tous les districts. C’est notre avenir même qui en dépend. Longue vie à Kin!

Kin Announcements

Send Us Your Stories

Kin at a Glance

KIN Magazine needs you to submit stories and photographs. If writing isn’t your thing, simply contact us and we’ll get the story and share the info.

As of March 31, 2013, there are 284 Kinsmen clubs, 154 Kinette clubs and 35 Kin clubs registered at Kin Canada National Headquarters. There are a total number of 473 clubs.

We love to hear from members!

The number of members, active life members and associate members is 6,626. There are 573 new members, 16 new life members and 146 reinstated members since June 30, 2012. These figures are based on official membership data.

Kin Profile Kin Profile features Kinsmen and Kinettes who are using the skills they have received from Kin in their professional life. If you know of someone who should be profiled, send in their name and a brief description of why they should be featured.

Letters We know you have lots of great stories to tell and we want to hear about them! If you have been thinking about sending a Letter to the Editor but haven’t gotten around to it, please do! Your opinion and input matters. Please send stories & photographs to [email protected] or fax to 519-650-1091 or write: Editor KIN Magazine 1920 Rogers Drive, Box 3460 Cambridge ON N3H 5C6

Member Centre Login We need your most current email address in our national member database in order for you to sign into the Member Centre of our new website at www.kincanada.ca.

Please email [email protected] with your most current information so we can update our database. Thank you!

Life Memberships Name

Club

Date District

Darcy Wildeman

Lloydminster Kinsmen Club

January 31

3

Edith Gillett

Grande Prairie Kin Club

February 16

4

Kim MacKenzie

Leduc Kinsmen Club

March 2

4

March 23

8

New Club Charter Kinette Club of Peterborough

Kin Memoriam January 21st to March 31st, 2013

Wayne Galbraith - Kinsmen Club of Sydney Michael Denis Heaps - Kinsmen of Keswick Mary Catherine Christine Prud’homme - Kinette Club of St. Thomas

Visit our new website @

kincanada.ca

Map of Clubs - Public Blog - Resource Library - Discussion Forums