The paperwork’s been signed and it’s now official - Shaunavon is the proud owner of a Kin Club.
The new organization, created through the amalgamation of the local Kinsmen and Kinettes, will combine the positive aspect of both groups.
“We joined the clubs so that we could have the best of both worlds,” explained Kinette member Sandie Greenslade. “We’re all pretty excited about the new direction of the club and think it will make our volunteer group stronger and more viable for many years to come.”
The Shaunavon Kinette Club has enjoyed an active role within the community for the past decade or so, hosting several charitable fundraising events, and acting as a rural support centre within the community.
The Kinsmen Club, on the other hand, has been inactive for the past few years, although the group still has a healthy following in town and at one time was a vibrant, flourishing entity that spearheaded a variety of programs and projects.
The new club, which will welcome both male and female members, offers a wide selection of benefits and rewards to anyone interested in joining the organization.
“It’s a great way to give back to your community,” said Greenslade. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to help out in little ways all year round without tackling too much responsibility.”
Greenslade also pointed out that club members enjoy some great camaraderie and fellowship.
“I know that some of the girls in our club really found it to be a wonderful way to meet people - especially for those who are new to town,” said Greenslade.

Unlike some other service groups, where a small percentage of people are often overloaded with the majority of responsibility, the Kin Club relies on a number of volunteers from diverse backgrounds in the community.
“To me it’s the best way to volunteer without being burdened with a huge time commitment,” said Greenslade.
Greenslade says that one of the group’s major initiatives this year is to help spearhead the installation of a new splash park in Shaunavon - a project that organizers hope can be completed in time for the town’s centennial in 2013.
It was actually Kinsmen members who first launched the idea of building a splash park and now that the clubs have merged, the project will be at the top of the group’s priority list until it is completed.
Club volunteers also plan to host a comedy night fundraiser in 2012 similar to a very successful venture held last year.
Telemiracle fundraisers are another big endeavor for Kinsmen and Kinettes across the province, and the Shaunavon Kin Club is gearing up for its     always-popular annual Radiothon.
The Radiothon, which will be held in Shaunavon this Saturday, February 11 at Christ the King Church Hall, is one of the community’s biggest and longest-running fundraisers.
The day includes appearances by several radio personalities, prize giveaways, a pancake breakfast, barbecue lunch and silent auction.
Last year, the event raised more than $15,000 and received an individual donation of $52,519 from Mabel and Percy Young.
“People from across the Southwest have been extremely generous,” said Greenslade. “We certainly appreciate the donations we’ve received through the Radiothon and we’re hoping people will support it again this year.”
The parade of homes, where club members lead tours of selected local homes, has developed into another nice annual project for the group.
This year the Kin Club also sponsored a New Year’s Eve family dance, while a room makeover lottery helped raise funds for the construction of a new playground at Shaunavon Public School.
The Shaunavon Kin Club meets every second Tuesday at the Darkhorse Theatre Hall (formerly the Kin Hall) on Fourth Avenue West.
The group welcomes anyone who is interested in helping out.
Those interested in becoming a member of the Shaunavon Kin Club, or volunteering for Kin Club projects, can contact a local member or drop-in at a meeting.
“It’s a terrific organization with some fantastic people,” said Greenslade. “We have a lot of fun while also helping out our community along the way.”
Since its creation in 1920, Kin Canada has made over $1 billion in charitable donations. The organization is the country’s largest Canadian based service club with over 7,000 members.