ASSINIBOIA — For eight decades, the Assiniboia Kinsmen Club has been fulfilling their motto of “Serving the Community’s Greatest Needs.”
The community of Assiniboia can reflect, and remember all of the actions and dedication this service club has given over 80 years. It wasn’t just a solid commitment by Kinsmen members but also diligence in giving back to it, making a meaningful impact along the way.
A growing wave of new service clubs began in Canada in 1920. Eighty years ago, in 1945, Assiniboia was one of 150 new clubs across the country that chartered, and thus continued the growth of Kinsmen Clubs.
Assiniboia Kinsmen met with Telemiracle founder, Urb Donlevy, in the 1970s to brainstorm the start of a province-wide fundraiser now successfully entering its 50th year, known as Telemiracle.
At one time, being a Kinette member was only available to those women whose husbands were active members in a Kinsmen Club, but that has since changed.
The Assiniboia Kinsmen Club has a long legacy of events, places, spaces and traditions, all made possible through this service club’s efforts. The Kinsmen Club was known for welcoming new people to town and often it involved either a visit or an invitation to a Kinsmen event or meeting, which often resulted in new community members becoming new Kinsmen Club members.
Imagine Assiniboia without a Kin Hut, which the club built, operated and maintained for 50 years. This value-added benefit to the community due to this men’s service club. The rental revenue is used to pay expenses and upkeep.
“On behalf of the Town of Assiniboia, I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to the Assiniboia Kinsmen as you mark an incredible milestone — 80 years of service, leadership and community spirit,” says Mayor Sharon Schauenberg.
“For many decades, the Kinsmen have played a vital role in shaping the fabric of our town. From supporting local families to championing important community events, your unwavering commitment to ‘Serving the Community's Greatest Need’ has left a lasting legacy in Assiniboia.
“The milestone is a testament to the dedication of past and present members who have given their time, talent and energy to make our town stronger, more connected and more compassionate. The impact of your work is visible in every corner of our community - from recreational spaces to charitable events, and the countless acts of quiet generosity in between.
“As mayor, I thank you for your enduring service and the pride you bring to Assiniboia! We celebrate with you and look forward to many more years of continued partnership and positive impact. Congratulations on 80 years of extraordinary community service.”
Assiniboia resident, Marc Topola, says he joined Kinsmen in 1980 after Bob Himbeault invited him to “bring a buddy night.”
“After seeing what the organization was all about and the community leaders that were part of the association, I really wanted to be part of the group. At that time, there were around 40 members in the club. The membership stayed in the 30 to 40 range for the next 20 years. I stayed active in the club until around 2004,” said Topola
Topola makes mention that when Hal Rodgers founded the association in 1920, he wanted it to be a young man’s organization and had set guidelines of 20 to 40 years old. Beyond that, there was a new club established as K40. The main goal of K40 was to assist Kinsmen whenever manpower was needed.
“Through my years in Kin, there were many highlights. Kin was always a family organization. We used to say that we didn’t have children, but we had Kin Kids. We tried to involve family as much as possible in our social activities,” adds the former Assiniboia Kinsmen member.
Topola says a highlight that really stands out in his memory was meeting Kin founder Hal Rodgers in person at the 1988 national convention in Calgary. The group had an opportunity to visit with him for a brief period of time. Hal, just short of his 90th birthday, and still able to carry on a conversation with anyone. He never seemed to forget anyone’s name or where they were from.
Another highlight Topola recalls, “This was also the year that Assiniboia Kinsmen under the Leadership of Al Burechailo (Bee Team). Al was elected Kin governor of the province. I have attached a photo of the Kinsmen executive. This was an amazing opportunity and learning experience.”
Former Telestar business owner Dan Mireau also served in a provincial leadership role.
Sandra Moneo recalls her parents, Dan and Marilyn Moneo, being part of the Assiniboia Kinsmen and Kinette clubs. Dan Moneo was the veterinarian for Assiniboia and area.
In a social media post, Moneo recalls, “I do remember that there were Christmas Eve programs put on by the kids. There were also programs with skits that groups put on. I also remember in circa 1964 a social where the Kinsmen dressed up as their wives and where the women dressed up as their husbands, for those times it was bizarre and very funny.”
As a Kin Kid, I remember being part of Telemiracle fundraisers that often included an “a-thon.” which was either dancing, skating or one time a group of us rode horses in from Dan Malesh’s farm and paraded down Main Street before finishing up at Kin Hut for some hot food to celebrate the fundraiser.
Other memories told to this reporter included Kin Kampouts at Rockin’ Beach or Thompson Lake. Not only watching your parents work the phones on Telemiracle on TV, but having the opportunity to go watch the telethon live in studio after the parents got off shift.
The Kinsmen may not have recognized their role, but the work they did, the fun they showcased while doing the work they did and the results of their efforts often led their children and other family members to become part of the family of Kin themselves.
The Kinsmen Christmas Tree hut had many people in Assiniboia recounting fond memories there as the tree sales also encompassed a social stop, especially during late-night shopping.
The Assiniboia Kinsmen were always hands-on when it came to community events, whether it was the annual Â鶹´«Ã½AV Country Roundup rodeo weekend or the winter Snoboia event that was once part of the calendar of events. They also initiated or were part of work parties that helped with various community projects, such as the very first Participark built.
While no specific plans are in place at present to mark this milestone anniversary, it is important that the community recognizes and celebrates this club’s history, honours the contributions of both past and present members and reflects on eight decades of service to Assiniboia.
If your grandpa, dad, uncle, brother or neighbour were part of the Assiniboia Kinsmen, shake their hand and say thank you and acknowledge their efforts in 80 years of community service in Assiniboia. Feel free to share your fond memories with a Kinsmen member and acknowledge in gratitude their club’s long-time efforts in your community.
