Tillsonburg’s independent service clubs offer personal development for volunteers as well as philanthropy

Members of the Tillsonburg Kinsmen Club volunteered their expertise, labour and supplies to install a cement pad around the garage at the Tillsonburg Soccer Club. This is one of the club’s many efforts to assist on initiatives in town. (Contributed photo)

Robin Krafft, Post Contributor

Volunteer month is a great opportunity to get involved in giving back to the community.

There are numerous informal groups and church-affiliated associations that strive to improve the lives of others, but this overview will highlight historical, independent groups. Local service clubs offer the gratifying experience of philanthropy as well as camaraderie.

Kin Canada

Kin Canada, which includes Kinsmen, Kinettes and (mixed) Kin clubs was founded in Hamilton in 1920. It is the largest national service association in Canada, dedicated to serving individual community’s greatest needs through service, leadership, fellowship and personal development.

The Tillsonburg Kinettes Club is best known for their enthusiasm as they host events such as Breakfast with Santa, the Mom Prom, and the Princess Ball, actively raising funds to address needs within the community. They’re excited to announce a new event this year: Ladies Night Out.

“We raise money for local organizations,” Kinette President Carrie Lewis said, “including DASO, the Food Bank, school projects, and we participate in the Coldest Night of the Year, Period Promise/Tampon Tuesday and the Alzheimer's Walk.”

Meetings include an hour of business followed by a social time, ranging from catered dinners to creating floral arrangements, all while supporting local businesses. Email tillsonburgkinettesgeneral@gmail.com or explore their FB or IG to see what this fun group is up to.

The Tillsonburg Kinsmen Club shares the same mandate, actively supporting local infrastructure, funding community projects, or bringing people together at events like their annual Easter Egg Hunt for kids and fundraising golf tournament.

“We focus our time and energy where it can make the biggest impact in Tillsonburg,” Kinsmen President Andrew Burns said. “We’re best known for rolling up our sleeves and leaving a lasting mark on the community. From major financial contributions around town to hands-on volunteer work, the Kinsmen have played a key role in building spaces and experiences that residents use and enjoy every day.”

Their contributions to local indoor and outdoor arenas, Participark, the bandshell, the soccer park and the Rowing Club are prime examples of the Kinsmen’s efforts.

“At Lake Lisgar, we’ve been part of shaping one of the town’s most recognized spaces, helping lead fundraising for the Kinsmen bridge and maintaining and installing the fountain year after year,” Burns said. “At our core, we’re a group that blends fundraising, hands-on work, and community pride into everything we do.”

This active, growing club meets once a month for planning projects and initiatives, but it’s not all business. The social aspect of the group and the camaraderie is why members enjoy it so much. Contact tillsonburgkinsmen@gmail.com to learn more.

“We’re always looking for community-minded individuals who want to give back, meet new people, and be part of something meaningful in Tillsonburg” Burns said. “No experience needed, just a willingness to get involved.”

Lions Club

The Lions Club was formed in the U.S. in 1917. The first Canadian Lions Club was formed in 1920, and it soon became a worldwide organization. As the oldest service club in Tillsonburg, their mandate is to serve the community wherever there is a need, supporting organizations, projects and people through financial donations and volunteerism.

“The Tillsonburg Lions celebrated its 100th birthday last year and has been very active and involved in community projects since its inception,” Interim President David Pipher said. “Over the years, many projects have involved the Tillsonburg Lions, some of which are the skate park, pump track, Lions Auditorium, Lions Den, Lake Lisgar Water Park, Tillsonburg soccer facilities, to name a few. Lions also support many youth organizations, clubs, teams, community groups and the hospital.”

Their biggest fundraiser, running for over 60 years, is their Monday Night Bingo. All proceeds go back into the community.

“Lions are often seen in the community at various events, and on social media helping others,” Pipher said. “This is what we do, and we are proud to do it!”

The Lions meet twice a month, beginning with a meal and progressing on to club business. Special guest speakers often present community projects or represent organizations seeking support. Anyone interested in learning more or joining the club can attend three meetings to ensure they feel like it’s a good fit. Contact tillsonburglionsa2@hotmail.com.

“We are always looking for new members to help us serve the community,” Pipher said. “We have many outstanding members who have been part of the club for a number of years. These seasoned members have been instrumental in many of the community projects that Lions have been part of. We also have new members who bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm into the club.”

Rotary Club

The first Rotary Club in Canada was formed in 1912, marking the beginning of its spread globally, guided by the motto Service Above Self.

“The club focuses on creating positive, lasting change through service, integrity,

fellowship, and leadership, while advancing goodwill, understanding, and peace,” Club President Gloria Aykroyd said. “The Rotary Club of Tillsonburg is best known for being a longstanding, hands-on service organization that combines practical community support with meaningful fellowship.”

Along with iconic local initiatives such as the Tillsonburg Clock Tower, the Rotary Club has contributed to our town for decades through their involvement in special projects, fundraising and volunteer service. The Rotary Wing at the Seniors Centre, the second ice pad at the community centre, fitness equipment on walking trails, environmental initiatives, Wings and Wheels, community gardens, food security, theatre, favorite fundraisers and extensive youth leadership programs, including the Youth Exchange Program, are only a few examples of their extensive efforts.

Meetings include social time, updates on projects, discussion, guest speakers and recognition of achievements. Residents are welcome to attend a welcoming, engaging and well-organized meeting as a guest and can contact Gloria Aykroyd at gloria.aykroyd@rotarytillsonburg.ca for more information.

Masons

The first Masonic Lodge in Canada was established in 1738 as part of an international fraternal organization. Larry Hicks, Secretary of Ashlar Lodge No. 701 here in Tillsonburg, explained that the Masons aren’t like other clubs.

“We are not really a service club, we are a fraternity of like-minded men who strive to take good men and make them better,” Hicks said. “We meet once a month and carry on the business of our Lodge. Masons are known for helping the community in any way possible.”

The Masons lay a wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day and sometimes sponsor a little league team. A favorite annual tradition is their Christmas Potluck. Local membership includes outstanding members who have been dedicated Masons for over 50 years.

“We as Masons speak proudly and justifiably so, of the Great Teachings of our Fraternity,” Hicks said. “We make speeches about the Sublime and Eternal Truths contained within our Symbols. We sometimes speak of Freemasonry as a liberal education, which it is. It is not a religion. Masonry is more than a service club; it is something far more different and far more wonderful. It’s a lifestyle, a philosophy, a way of life that should be a part of ourselves each and every day.”

Optimist Club

The Optimist Club has been active in Canada since 1924, and there are now over 500 clubs across the country. Providing hope and maintaining a positive vision for self and others is a key component of the Optimist perspective.

“We utilize the tenets of the Optimist Creed,” said President Michelle Wegg. “We work for friendship among all people, aid and encourage the development of youth, and believe that the giving of oneself in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.”

The Tillsonburg Optimist Club is best known for the Santa Claus Parade, one of the largest and most well-attended parades in the area. They have hosted a variety of other events: the Zombie Adventure Run, free Chocolate Bar Bingo, and Dungeons and Dragons. The club sponsors soccer, baseball, ringette, Girl Guides and Scouts.

Monthly meetings for discussing upcoming initiatives include a social, family atmosphere, which has often included member’s children. Reach out to tillsonburgoptimistclub@gmail.com for more information about this group which happily accommodates those with families.

Royal Canadian Legion

The mandate of the Royal Canadian Legion, founded in 1925, is to serve veterans, their families, the communities they live in and our country, as well as promoting remembrance.

The Tillsonburg Legion Branch 153 provides a space for community groups and organizations to meet. The Tillsonburg Military History Club, Tillsonburg Firefighters Association, Tillsonburg Seniors Club, Community Living Association, Kiwanis Club, VON exercise classes, Varnavair Air Cadet Squadron and various fundraising groups all use the Legion on a regular basis. The large hall can be rented for events such as weddings, showers, anniversaries and celebrations of life, but the Legion does much more than provide space.

“The Legion sponsors teams for Tillsonburg Minor Soccer and Minor Baseball, Glendale Ringette, Youth Public Speaking and Literary Poster Contest for Tillsonburg Schools,” Administrator Laura Belous said. “We also donate to the Tillsonburg Food Bank and Christmas hampers by the Salvation Army.”

The Legion is non-profit, and their dedicated volunteers run sport leagues, prepare and serve meals and make up the executive.

“The Legion provides seniors with a place to meet, socialize, play games, watch sports, and join in with various programs designed specifically for seniors,” Belous said. “These programs include weekly darts, euchre and cribbage games, exercise classes, snooker and pool.”

Anyone can join the Legion as a member. Learn more by calling 519-842-5281.

The experience of belonging to a service club includes personal growth, social opportunities, and professional development. People coming together to have a positive impact on their community are simultaneously improving their skills in leadership, project management, and communication, but social activism and philanthropy are their own reward. While volunteering their time and expertise, these members know that they are helping others, whether providing necessities, planning family events that create cherished memories, contributing to structures and spaces that benefit all residents, or supporting a small group, their efforts make Tillsonburg a great place to live.