OLDS – About 130 people, including current and past members, attended the Olds Kiwanis Club’s 70th anniversary celebration at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 105 on June 6.
Dignitaries at the event included Kiwanis Division 7 Lieutenant Governor Rose Ward, Olds mayor Judy Dahl, Joanne Beigun with Calgary Chinook Kiwanis, Tracy Madden - Governor-elect Kiwanis, Roy Bird - incoming Kiwanis Governor, Peter Harrop - past-president Edmonton south Kiwanis, and current Olds Kiwanis Club president Annelise Doolaege.
Former club president Murray Elliott served as master of ceremonies for the evening.
The Kiwanis Club is an international community-based volunteer organization that focuses on service projects, fundraising and supporting children and families. The Olds club received its charter in June, 1955.
Mayor Dahl told guests that the Kiwanis Club remains an invaluable asset for Olds and district.
“They invest in the future and the greater good of all to live, work, play and educate in this place we call home,” said Dahl. “On behalf of the Town of Olds council and community of Olds and area, I’d like to share that we are incredibly grateful to the Kiwanis Club of Olds volunteers and supporters for investing in the future of Olds and creating a positive impact yesterday, today and into the future.”
She called on community members to visit the Kiwanis website and consider becoming involved in the benevolent organization.
“Learn about the amazing opportunities they offer and their objectives,” she said. “They are always there on behalf of the community.”
She highlighted a number of worthwhile recent Kiwanis projects, including Breakfast for Learners, Canada Day celebrations, Olds Regional Exhibition concessions for events, and Olds community playgrounds.
The club has also been providing valuable support for the Kirsten’s Place, a Mountain View Emergency Shelter project, she noted.
Division 7 Lieutenant Governor Ward commended and congratulated Olds club members for 70 years of community service.
In a follow-up Albertan interview, she added, “It is quite an accomplishment. They've done so much for the community and they continue to be an active club since their inception.”
Club president Doolaege thanked current and past Kiwanis members, as well as their family and friends, for their efforts over the years.
“I stand on the shoulders of others,” she said. “I think of Kiwanis as a ship, a voyage. So it takes effort and there is a value in place to be able to continue this pathway for children. That is our mandate and that is what we do.”
She singled out Dr. Richard Wray for his selfless work with the Kiwanis over many years.
Joe Gustafson, an Olds Kiwanis member since 1975, says the club has “evolved from simple projects to more complex projects” over the years.
He encouraged others to join the Olds Kiwanis.
“It is a fun thing to do and it also keeps you engaged in the community, keeps you engaged with other people,” he told the Albertan. “The purpose is the kids and that what we think about. There’s always going to be kids and there is always going to be kids in need, so for sure we are going to be there.”
During the ceremony, master of ceremonies Elliott commended past and current club members.
“A huge thanks to the women and men from the last 70 years who have left this town a better place and provided immeasurable opportunities for young people in our community,” he said.
“Our club, like our town, has grown and evolved, especially after the club made the wise decision to include women as members.”
The club's fundraising efforts have taken many forms over the years, with the biggest fundraiser being the annual Kiwanis auction, “where we have teamed for nearly 60 years with the benevolent folks at Rosehill Auction,” he said.
The celebration evening wrapped up with a show by the Elvis Evolution Tribute.
