The Kiwanis Club is making a comeback in Carleton Place, hoping to rebuild its local chapter and once again support children and youth in the community.
Focused on improving young lives, Kiwanis is a global non-profit with more than 300,000 members worldwide. There are about nine clubs in Eastern Ontario, from Pembroke to Cornwall and Ottawa, with nearly 400 members.
“Kiwanis works directly with children and youth who may be struggling with poverty, isolation or stress,” said Joyce Hamlin, club secretary. “What’s unique is that we help them learn leadership skills and support their own peers within the community.”
Carleton Place once had a Kiwanis Club, but it folded about 30 years ago for reasons current members say are long forgotten. A dedicated group of 11 volunteers is working to secure the 15 members needed under Kiwanis International rules to be officially recognized as a club.
“There’s a real need here,” said Shelley Manson, club president. “I’ve lived in Carleton Place for 20 years and I’ve seen kids without proper clothing, and some turning to drugs at an early age. Drugs are a big problem in our community.”
Club members plan to build relationships with families and youth to identify needs and provide support.
“We talk to parents and children to ask what they need,” Manson said. “Many parents are struggling, and we want to help.”
While not yet formally recognized, the Carleton Place group has partnered with other clubs in the region. Members recently teamed up with Kiwanis Kanata/Stittsville to assist with the Kids4Kids Talent Showcase, helping to run the concession stand and organize the event as practice for future local projects.
The group’s ultimate goal is to establish a Key Club at Carleton Place High School.
“Key Clubs are autonomous student groups that organize their own fundraising, event planning and community service with Kiwanis support,” said Phil Rossy, a club builder with Kiwanis Ottawa who is mentoring the Carleton Place chapter.
The program would allow students to volunteer and learn about leadership and community service under the supervision of a teacher.
Kiwanis also partners with other local service groups, providing computers for families in need, subsidizing summer camp costs, or donating funds to local youth clubs.
The Carleton Place group meets every two weeks on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. at Zion Memorial Anglican Church. The most recent meeting was May 12.
“Anyone interested can simply show up at a meeting or email us at kiwaniscpmm@gmail.com,” said Chris Lorincz, publicity and promotions coordinator.
