The Kinsmen Club in Canada is marking its 100th anniversary this year.
The Wallaceburg chapter raised its "Founders' flag" on Thursday morning at the Wallaceburg Municipal Office, marking 100 years since the day the non-profit service organization was founded -- February 20, 1920.
The Kinsmen contributes to local municipal events, local sports teams and other not for profit organizations. President Brian Feast said the Kinsmen Club was started in Hamilton after World War I, led to the "Meals on Wheels" program after World War II, and has grown to over 500 chapters nationwide.
The Kinsmen Club of Wallaceburg was founded in 1932 by Jim Burgess.
Feast said the Kinsmen is one of the largest contributors to Cystic Fibrosis research in Canada but does much more for many charities across the country.
"Cystic Fibrosis is our national charity that we all give to but we also are involved in the blood drives and a variety of things across the country," said Feast. "We have given a billion dollars now to charities."
Feast said the Kinsmen still lives up to its promise of 100 years ago by giving to society.
"There are so many things they have done. They have been involved in the splash pad or whether it be the local band," added Feast. "They give to local junior sports teams quite often, they run the bingos which allows other charities to raise money for their own endeavours."
Feast said the next focus is to improve and expand their building and carry-on being good citizens in the community. The service club also hosts the annual Pumpkinfest held the fourth Saturday in September. It is a family event with free kids' activities.
