Kiwanis International has a mission to serve the children of the world — and now, the organization hopes to establish roots in this town so it can also serve the kids of Cochrane.
On Nov. 15, members of area Kiwanis clubs are inviting Cochranites to learn more about their organization at an information session in Cochrane Toyota’s community room.
The group wants to establish a new chapter of the international club here – and Kiwanis Western Canada District Membership and Club Building Chair Terry Ross said the first step is to reach out to Cochranites and share what the organization is all about.
“Our whole focus is on children and youth,” he said.
Kiwanis has dedicated service to children and youth in communities around the world for more than 100 years.
More than 650,000 adult and youth volunteers in more than 80 countries and areas across the globe make up the international organization, and they raise upwards of $100 million every year.
Airdrie established its Kiwanis chapter in 2014, and clubs are being organized in Chestermere and Okotoks.
Roland Sabourin, Kiwanis Western Canada District Communications Chair, said Kiwanis is well-known for bringing groups of people with “imagination and energy” to the table — and he wants to attract those same types of motivators to its new chapter here.
“Cochrane … is a young community, very vibrant,” he said. “This is an opportunity to bring 15, 20, 25 like-minded citizens who say, ‘We want to help children and youth be better … to grow and to thrive.”
Ross said membership will be $100 for the first year of the Cochrane chapter, with the new executive to set fees for the following years.
Once the club is up and running, local Kiwanians will mentor and coach members for up to two years, helping to formalize structure, learn about the organization and gain traction in the community.
From there, Kiwanis encourages each club to identify specific community needs and make strategic partnerships to help complement other services already established in town.
The Cochrane group will choose where to put their time, energy and financial efforts – with 100 per cent of any money raised staying in the community.
“Local clubs will decide what their local focus will be,” Sabourin said. “What works in Calgary … might not be what you need (in Cochrane).“
Ross added options under the Kiwanis banner include promoting youth leadership, school trips, action clubs for physically challenged kids, recognition programs for good grades and more.
Local chapters can apply for grants and scholarships as well.
“It all strengthens the youth,” added Ross.
The Cochrane Kiwanis session starts at 7 p.m. on Nov. 15. Those interested can RSVP to Doreen Soderberg at [email protected].
