As it happens every year the Kinsmen Club of Ponoka put on one heck of a fundraiser that looks to have exceeded last year’s money raised.
At press time the fundraiser, held April 22 at the Kinsmen Community Centre, netted more than $20,000, explained fundraiser chairperson Roy Scabar. The full bill hasn’t been paid but that is more than the group had last year for net dollars, said Scabar.
For him, the Kinsmen are a small and mighty group of eight members who want to ensure community needs are taken care of. With strong support from community businesses Scabar and Kinsmen president Cody Moench managed to collect a large variety of live and silent auction items, which also helped bring dollars to the table.
“We had a lot of cash donations, which was pretty cool,” added Scabar.
Most of the money goes back into the community but the club has a few big plans set for the recreation park in the Southwest Industrial Area. Along with the Tom Hamilton Memorial Hill, the park, which is west of the Prairie Boys Truck and Car Wash, is in its second phase.
Scabar says the club is trying to work with the town and county of Ponoka to determine what the community’s needs are. Currently the club has a few concept plans for the space and are in the last stretch of making a decision on which plan to go with.
While the club continues its planning for the area it is also working with the Kinette Club of Ponoka and a few other groups.
During the fundraiser the Kinsmen joined in the donation of $4,000 towards the purchase of a new industrial stove for the Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse. Other clubs participating on the donation are the Kinettes, the Rotary Club and the Lions Club of Ponoka.
The fundraiser wouldn’t be possible without the support of residents and businesses.
“We want to thank the business owners and individuals that have contributed year after year to this event and many similar events in this community because without them we do not run,” said Scabar.
Despite having just eight members the Kinsmen continue to bring strong fundraisers and amenities to Ponoka. Scabar says the group is always looking for new members to enhance what the club does.