Smiling Faces All Around at Kiwanis Toy Project

Thanks to the generosity from the Cochrane Generals, Walmart, Cochrane FCSS, and many volunteers, the Kiwanis Club of Cochrane and Area was able to provide a special day for over 50 children from the Cochrane area yesterday morning (December 16).

Even though the Kiwanis Toy Project was their inaugural event since officially becoming chartered on October 27^th, you certainly wouldn't have known. Ron Gosselin, President for the Kiwanis Club of Cochrane shares he couldn't be more pleased with how the event turned out especially with not a lot of lead time. "Typically when we send out the invitations through the various organizations we get about ten to twenty percent who no-show but in Cochrane 54 out of 59 invitees showed up and were able to select their toys with the help from the Generals. We are receiving some very positive feedback from the parents about how the event went and the smiles that the kids had."

Each of the fifty-four youth was treated to face painting, balloon animals, a visit with Santa and Mrs Claus, hot chocolate, treats, a teddy bear, goody bag, a flower for mom, $40 certificate to buy a toy/gift, and a family pass for last night's Generals game.

One of the messages the club received via Facebook from one of the families is the exact reason why an event like this is so valuable. "I wanted to let all your volunteers know that it really does make a difference. We are extremely grateful. And I hope to be able to help others one day the way you have all helped us. So, I apologize for not chatting much, but you have no idea how much it meant. I know for all of you, you see the kids run around quickly, grab presents, and leave. They're so happy. And for the parents, at least for me, you are the "village". It takes a village to raise a child they say. You have made me feel less alone."

Kiwanis chapters in Northmount (Calgary), Airdrie, and Okotoks also held a Kiwanis Toy Project this year, making Christmas extra special for those in need.

When it comes to Kiwanis, says Gosselin, supporting youth is what the chartered club is all about. While they do support projects on an international and national level, Kiwanis is all about making sure children are at the centre of each and every project. "We intend to work very closely with the local FCSS organization to do a needs analysis, in order to figure out what and where we could be of help in the community for kids."

In the future, Gosselin hopes to offer the opportunity of bringing Kiwanis Kids Service Clubs to town. "We do fund them but they have their own boards, do their own activities, and we have three different kinds; we have the 'Kids Club' for ages 6 to 12, the 'Builders Club' for ages 11 to 14, and the 'Key Club'  for those 14 to 18. So all we do is provide them with some coaching but they do their own service project within the community."

Gosselin is looking forward to watching the Kiwanis Club of Cochrane and Area grow in 2019 and encourages all like-minded community members to come out to their next meeting on January 3rd, 2019, 6:30 pm at the Cochrane Public Library. If you would like more information about the club, go HERE.