ASSINIBOIA — Perhaps a testament to the legacy and work of Assiniboia Kinsmen and Kinettes, two former residents attending the University of Saskatchewan have been named to Kin Canada Campus Club executive team.
Jade Stevenson was named as club treasurer for another term, while Jordan Engstrom was named as Telemiracle representative. Engstrom previously served as communication representative in 2022
In 2013, after a pilot period, Kin passed a resolution at the national campus to make members of campus clubs full members of Kin Canada.
This development for Kin Clubs came from overwhelming stats that Canadians ages 15-24 have the highest rate of volunteering.
It is hoped that by positive experiences from young men and women through campus clubs they will evolve to become seasoned members of their community’s family of Kin.
Telemiracle seems to be a driving factor for students wanting to be part of the campus club at USask.
Engstrom says she has been a member of the USask Kin Club for three years.
“I am a Kin Kid so I have been around Kin events since I was a little girl. When I heard about the campus club, I knew I had to join. I had also previously been on the Telemiracle telethon as Sask. talent. So I couldn’t wait to participate further in the charity.”
The university student said both of her parents, Clint and Pamela Engstrom, were part of her home community’s Kinsmen and Kinette Club in Assiniboia, furthering her desire to keep the family tradition going.
“The biggest highlights of being a part of this club is volunteering for Telemiracle. It is always a blast,” exclaims Engstrom
Balancing academics with home and leisure life, or other volunteer commitments can sometimes present challenges however Engstrom says the campus club makes it easy.
“The time put into this club is very flexible and the amazing members help each other with big projects.”
Engstrom also affirms she will continue in Kin Club in some manner once she graduates from USask and the campus Kin Club.
Jade Stevenson, is the daughter of Chad and Nadine Stevenson of Assiniboia. Even though her parents were not part of Kin Clubs when she was growing up in Assiniboia, her grandparents, Walter and Mary Chipak were.
“I have been a member of the U of S Kin Club since fall of 2022, this was when the club was being brought back after COVID had shut things down. I have been a treasurer of the club all three school years I have been in the club,” said Stevenson.
The former Assiniboia resident says she has personally benefitted from Telemiracle after receiving funding for a new wheelchair and a power assist to help her navigate around campus during her studies there.
“Jordan has asked me if I wanted to go with her to a meeting to see if it was something I would be interested in. After that first meeting, I was inspired to help those in need and have been part of the club ever since.”
Stevenson said her biggest highlight has been attending Telemiracle 2023.
“It was amazing to see what all goes on behind the scenes and how it truly takes so many people to make an event like this a success. Every person who is part of these clubs is truly an amazing and fun individual, so it was great getting to meet so many people from clubs all around the province. Every club is so happy that we have brought back the campus club and are always willing to give us the best advice about how we can be successful as a club.”
The USask Kin Club is the only campus club in Canada, so everyone wants to see them succeed.
“Balancing academics and time with this club has not been too difficult. Since we are still in the process of bringing this club fully back to how it was before COVID, we had not planned too many fundraising events until the past two years. We have meetings every two weeks, so I try as best as possible to keep that time open on my schedule and to plan assignments and studying around it. I am hoping that this year we are able to plan even more events and will try to work around them as much as I can so that I am able to attend,” acknowledges Stevenson
This will be Jade’s last year with the campus club as she is currently completing her final year of university. The campus Kin Club member says that once she settles into a job after completing her degree, joining a community Kinsmen, Kinette or Kin Club is something she will consider as she has enjoyed her experience with this campus Kin Club.
