Every year thousands flock to the Drayton Farm Show at the PMD Arena.
Generally, they are seeking information, looking to purchase something or just going to look around.
But attending the show, which is organized annually by the Drayton Kinsmen, also helps others in a variety of ways.
First of all, $1 from every $3 admission is donated to cystic fibrosis (CF) research. In 2011, over 2000 attended the 30th annual show, which translated into a donation of over $2,300.
About CF
According to www.cysticfibrosis.ca, CF is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults.
There is no cure for CF, a multi-system disease, primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system.
In the lungs, where the effects of the disease are most devastating, a build-up of thick mucus causes increasingly severe respiratory problems. It may be difficult to clear bacteria from the lungs, leading to cycles of infection and inflammation, which damage delicate lung tissue.
Mucus and protein also build up in the digestive tract, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food.
Large quantities of digestive enzymes (average of 20 pills a day) must be consumed with every meal and snack. As improved therapies have helped to address the malnutrition issues, virtually all CF-related deaths are due to lung disease.
Community betterment
The rest of the proceeds from the Drayton Farm Show will be put towards various Kinsmen projects in the community.
The farm show is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Kinsmen and last year over $4,600 was re-invested in the area.
Over the years Kinsmen members have completed hundreds of projects, including an addition to the agricultural society building, the purchase of a rescue van and the Jaws of Life for the local fire department, the development of ball parks and soccer fields, and a huge contribution to the PMD Arena.
Those are only a few examples of what Kinsmen have done for the community. They also provide support to a wide range of causes.
Over the years those have also included: minor ball, hockey, soccer, figure skating, the Scouts, school trips and activities, Kinsmen ball and soccer fields, the Moorefield Optimist Park and Playgrounds, the Drayton Festival Theatre, community theatre groups, youth theatre, the Drayton Farmers Market, seniors outings and foster children causes.
The club has also aided the fire department and Pregnancy Crisis Centre, the area United Way and the local food bank, as well as helping to fund multiple sclerosis research.
The club is very concerned with children and provides anti-drug programs including a local Chicken Club, as well as bicycle safety courses.
It supports the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Ontario March of Dimes, and also provides financial help to local 4-H programs for children and the local agricultural society.
Other show benefits
Though run primarily by the Drayton Kinsmen, other service clubs and local groups also help out at the show.
For example, in 2011 the Drayton Rotary Club helped run the door, minor hockey representatives prepared and served food and, for the first time, high school students worked at the show to obtain their volunteer hours.
Kinsmen officials say the show has become a total community effort, and the great feedback received each year seems to support that assertion.
Last year the Advertiser received a letter of thanks from Mitchell’s Mark Junkin, who attended the show and lauded organizers for their efforts.
Junkin said he was “blown away by the level of professionalism” of the organizers, which exceeded that on display at many larger, international shows.
“The fact that this is a community-run event really demonstrates the quality of your Kinsmen Club and the community at large,” Junkin said. “You should definitely be proud of what your community has to offer.”
About the Kinsmen
The Drayton Kinsmen are an organization of young men interested in “serving the community’s greatest need.”
And there are plenty of needs. Through a variety of service projects, fundraisers, business meetings and socials, club members enjoy personal development, fellowship and a satisfaction through teamwork.
The Drayton Kinsmen are part of a much larger Association of Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs of Canada.
Kin is an all-Canadian service organization founded in Hamilton in 1920. The national association provides a framework for over 900 clubs across Canada.
The national association has raised more service dollars per member than any community service club in the world. The association of Kin stresses personal development through community service.
