MACKLIN — Five decades of serving the community’s greatest needs. April 15 weekend in Macklin was a big day of excitement for not only the club but the community itself.
The day started with the Kinette Club challenging a neighbouring Provost Alberta club to a polar dip in Macklin Lake to raise money for their national cause of Cystic Fibrosis.
The day ended with a gala celebration that included supper and entertainment by Daryl Anderson band.
The polar dip was aptly entitled, “Take your breath away” showcasing the struggles Cystic Fibrosis patients deal with every day.
Kin Canada is a national partner of Cystic Fibrosis Canada, as their national service project. Each year Kinsmen and Kinettes host a variety of fundraising and awareness-building activities in support of the battle against cystic fibrosis. Since 1964, Kin members have raised more than $50 million for cystic fibrosis research and patient care.
Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease that affects Canadian children and young adults with no cure at present, only treatment options.
“The sensation of jumping into freezing water and having your breath taken away gives you a brief glimpse of what CF warriors and their families deal with every day,” a spokesperson for Macklin Kinettes tells the Unity-Wilkie Press-Herald and SASKTODAY.ca.
That sensation combined with the need to raise money and awareness for CF is what prompted the Macklin Kinette Club to kick off their 50th anniversary celebrations with a challenge to a neighbouring club for a polar dip “Battle on the Border at Macklin Lake.”
Due to melting ice and wanting to ensure the safety of the 30 participants, they chose to have them jump into a large water container instead of Macklin Lake. What lacked in frigid temperature was made up for with enthusiasm.”
Team Alberta Kin, based out of Provost, came in strong with approximately $7,400 in donations. However, Team Saskatchewan Kin reigned supreme racking up over $16,000 for the cause.
“The same generosity that warms their hearts for TeleMiracle continued to thrive for CF as well,” the Macklin Kinette Club President says.
The evening event included a gala celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Macklin Kinette Club. Since their inception in 1972, it is estimated the members of the club have raised over a million dollars that have gone back to their community and province.
“It was an exciting evening that saw the crowd joined by members of the original charter club as well as other past and current Kinette members,” the club spokesperson says.
“The evening was a celebration of those that have come before and those that continue to carry on the legacy of the strong women that started this journey.”
Following the meal, co-president Courtney Bogen and vice-president Katy Bast gave a brief history of the club, followed by speakers Jesse and Jenna Lawes of the Wainwright, Alta. area, who spoke about being parents of a child with CF.
Closing remarks included kind words from former members of the provincial Kin organization acknowledging the efforts of both host clubs as well as the 50th anniversary of the Macklin Kinettes and their role within the community.
The celebration concluded with music and dance featuring Daryl Anderson Band from Saskatoon.
“There are too many special moments to sum up in one or two highlights for the last 50 years, but all you need to do is look to the motto and focus of all Kin clubs – serving the community’s greatest needs through friendship, fellowship, and fun.” Bogen said.
“The ability to help and support people in times of need, raising awareness for important issues such as CF, and meeting new people and forming friendships for a lifetime, becomes the continuous highlight of the Kinette members.”
Macklin Kinette Club currently has 14 members and have a few potential members in the wings. The club is always looking to add to their membership numbers and welcomes anyone interested to check out the Macklin Kinette Facebook page for more information.
