The Kiwanis Club is synonymous with community service around the world. And although the motto of the club has altered to “serving the children of the world”, the club set its sights on issues and causes that transcend a particular age group or cause. The Oak Bay chapter, which officially turns 70 on April 29, epitomizes the diverse nature of the work.
“We’re always evolving and adapting to the needs of the community,” said Kristina Ewing, the president of the Oak Bay Kiwanis Club. “I know that our motto speaks to serving children, but in our community the aging population has meant our focus has been more on seniors.”
That focus on the senior population of the community has translated into the establishment and continued work with the Kiwanis Pavilion. The 122 bed facility was opened in 1982 and is owned and operated by the Oak Bay Kiwanis Health Care Society. It’s focus is on caring for frail seniors, particularly those who are living with dementia.
They also operate the Rose Manor, a seniors’ residence housed in a heritage building in downtown Victoria.
“When they were in danger of failing back in 1996, Oak Bay Kiwanis stepped up and now we manage it and ensure that it will continue to provide services in the community,” said Fred Cornborough, a long time member of the Oak Bay Kiwanis.
The club also operates Milton Manor, a seniors residence serving the community.
To help fund their activities, today’s Kiwanis Club is well known as the operators of the Tea Room at Willows Beach. The cozy, 60-year-old, 29-seat beachfront restaurant is manned by Kiwanis volunteers who dedicate their time to provide a great service to the community, serving breakfasts, snacks, coffee, tea, and much more to the grateful folks attending Oak Bay’s beautiful beachfront.
The foundation raises about $100,000 a year through the restaurant – all of it used for community causes like the Pavilion.
But the Kiwanis club’s activities and support transcend the needs of the senior community. In recent years they have offered support to the Threshold Housing Society (providing transitional housing for homeless youth), worked as volunteers with the annual pumpkin art display, raised money for social causes by selling hotdogs at the Oak Bay Night Market, and found themselves involved with a host of other causes – all designed to benefit the community.
To further the goal of engaging young people at an early age, Kiwanis International designed a number of programs for schools, ranging from elementary schools to high schools where children can learn about organizing and participating in events to benefit their communities. In addition, the Key-Leader and Circle K clubs for post secondary institutions work to engage young people in becoming social aware and active like never before.
“One of the most important things we need to do is get young people engaged in working in the community,” said Kristina Ewing, president of Oak Bay Kiwanis. “We need to get the message out that this isn’t ‘your dad’s Kiwanis Club’. Times have changed and we’ve changed with them.”