Members of the Moose Jaw Kinsmen, Moose Jaw Kinnettes, and K40 auxiliary club members gathered at Tourism Moose Jaw to commemorate the founding of the service club 100 years ago in Canada.
“It's huge for us. A hundred years is a big milestone for anything, so we thought we better do something to commemorate it,” said Kinsmen president Mike McKeown.
Founder’s Day is a national celebration, with Kinsmen Clubs across the nation planning flag raisings and other events to recognize the long-lasting mark that Kinsmen members have made on their communities.
The Moose Jaw Kinsmen Club began in 1942, making it 78 years old this year, and it has about 22 members this year. McKeown finds that the club has been supported here in Moose Jaw really well over the years.
“It's just been so strong in the community and I think it's so well known, and everybody just loves to support what we do. We give back, right to the community,” said McKeown
The Kinsmen credit their success to both members and the community, as well as their partnership with the local Kinnettes Club.
“The Kinnettes have been huge, and especially helping out with our Safe Ride program,” said McKeown. “So, we thought it'd be great to have the Kinnettes, Kinsmen and the K40 kind of all come together for such a great day.”
The Kinnettes deputy governor for Zone G, Tanya Heisler, was also happy to join in the flag raising alongside McKeown and the Kinsmen.
“It's really amazing what we've done in a hundred years, lots of money raised, and we're excited to be here,” said Heisler.
For Heisler, joining the Kinnettes here in Moose Jaw was about more than just helping her community — she was new to the city and got to know people through her Kinnette work.
“It's about becoming part of the community, giving back to your community,” said Heisler. “It's a great way to meet new people and opportunities for personal development.”
McKeown and Heisler raised the Kinsmen flag together, and headed over to Mosaic Place to make an appearance at the Scotties, with Kinsmen and Kinnette members bearing the signs during the opening ceremonies at the afternoon draws.
