Every year thousands flock to the Drayton Farm Show at the PMD Arena.
Generally, they are seeking information, looking to purchase something or just looking 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 2013, over 2,100 have attended the farm show, which translated into annual donations of over $2,100.
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.
Improved therapies have helped to address digestive issues and virtually all CF-related deaths are due to lung disease.
Community betterment
The rest of the proceeds from the Drayton Farm Show are put towards various Kinsmen projects in the community.
The farm show is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Kinsmen (in 2013 over $4,200 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.
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.
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 has provided 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 and the local agricultural society.
Starting in 2013, the Kinsmen Club of Drayton partnered with the Optimist Club of Moorefield to offer a new annual event, the Mapleton Rodeo, set this year for July 4 to 6 in Moorefield.
