A service club with a rich local tradition is hoping to make a comeback.
Elaine Crysler, former member of the Kiwanis Club and hopeful member of a revival club, noted that the original service club was formed in Moose Jaw in 1919, which makes 2019 a fitting year to bring the club back to Moose Jaw.
“Had we stayed as a traditional group, we would have been a hundred years old this year. So, we're planning on reviving that, but like I say, not in the same traditional format where we met once a week,” said Crysler.
After disbanding in 2015 due to an issue of member’s availability, the Kiwanis Club remained dormant until an attempt last year to revive. Crysler found that there was some interest, but it was the wrong time of year to ask people to commit their time to service projects. She has higher hopes this year.
“We have a few members signed up already, but what we're looking for is to have a good number so that we can have some great ideas,” said Crysler.
Instead of hosting weekly meetings, the club will remain connected through messaging and adhere to a 3-2-1 format of the club; three hours per month of community service, two hours of social time with other club members, and a one-hour meeting if there is a large project to plan.
The social commitment expectation isn't too high, said Crysler; she's hoping to provide service to the community but also supports to members.
"It's just a way to be together," said Crysler. "So maybe we get together and just have a coffee, go to somebody's house, have a coffee and chin wag, just for a little alone time and talking-to-adult-time, you know, that kind of thing."
Crysler is hoping to receive some more interest, as she feels that a club such as this one provides an important service — working with youth.
“I believe we're the only service group that deals with children all the way from kindergarten to university. We have programs for them all the way through, which is great,” said Crysler. “I think Moose Jaw needs Kiwanis and Kiwanis needs to come back to Moose Jaw.”
The programs previously run by the Kiwanis Club were delegated when the club disbanded in 2015, as well as the remainder of their funds. Crysler is therefore looking at this revival as a project starting from scratch, ready for fresh ideas.
Interested members of the community can contact Crysler by email at elainecrysler@gmail.com or by calling (306) 693-9034.
