Founded in 1968, the Drayton Kinsmen Club is celebrating 50 years of “serving the community’s greatest needs.”
The annual farm show, now in its 37th year, is the biggest fundraiser each year for the local Kinsmen. Half of the $5 admission fee to the event, held this year on March 28 and 29 at the PMD arena, is donated to cystic fibrosis research. In 2017, over 3,000 people attended the farm show, which meant the Kinsmen were able to donate a substantial amount of funds to this cause.
The remainder of the proceeds from the show are put toward various Kinsmen projects in the community.
Over the years, members of the organization have completed hundreds of projects, including an addition to the agricultural society building, purchase of a rescue van and Jaws-of-Life for the local fire department, development of ball parks and soccer fields, and a large contribution to the PMD Arena.
In 2013, the Kinsmen, in partnership with the Moorefield Optimists and Township of Mapleton, raised funds and provided manpower to create new playgrounds at parks in Drayton and Moorefield.
In 2015, the club joined forces with the municipality and Rothsay Darling Ingredients Inc. in the revitalization of the playground at Rothsay Park.
The club also provides support to a wide range of causes. Over the years those have included: minor ball, hockey, soccer, figure skating, Scouts, school trips and activities, Kinsmen ball and soccer fields, Drayton Festival Theatre, community theatre groups, youth theatre, Drayton Farmers’ Market, seniors outings and foster children.
The local fire department, an area pregnancy crisis centre, the United Way, local food bank and multiple sclerosis research have all benefited from the Drayton Kinsmen.
The club has also provided money for anti-drug programs and bicycle safety courses.
In celebration of its 50-year milestone, the club is planning a dinner social on May 17 and will be taking names at the Kinsmen booth at the farm show of those interested in attending.
The club is also planning a pre-Canada Day event on June 30, featuring a wing night and local entertainment followed by a concert featuring popular Celtic rockers, The Mudmen.
