Members of the Kinette Club of Ponoka are grateful for the support shown through a successful silent auction event held on Dec. 18.
Christina York, president of the club, said that funds raised at the event — which was held at the Ponoka Golf Club — will go to support the group's post-secondary bursaries.
The Kinettes joined golf course staff for the special event, which also featured Neil Diamond tribute artist Will Chalmers.
“Everything went really well. We were thinking we might have to carry some auction items home, but everything sold. That money will go to our education bursaries — we give them out every year to the secondary campus and St. Augustine School. Anyone locally can also apply,” York explained.
“The people who came to the event, they were just so happy to be there. Everybody joined in, and they were very gracious with the donations, too. They know that the bursaries are local as well.”
Looking ahead, York said the club is growing, too.
“In February, we are going to be busy. As a non-profit organization throughout Canada, every February, we celebrate our anniversary. This year, we are once again going to partner with the local theatre and the Kinsmen Club of Ponoka to rent the theatre.
“We'll be giving a free show on Feb. 22, and there will be popcorn and soda, too. It's free of charge for anyone who would like to come. It's something we do as a 'thank you' to the community.”
This year's screening gets underway at 1 p.m.
York has been with the Ponoka Kinettes since 2013.
“During that time, I've been deputy governor which runs our zone, and I've also been the governor of Alberta and part of B.C.
“I think that a person can experience a lot of growth from belonging to this club,” she said, adding that members can hone their skills in everything from public speaking to helping to run a meeting.
There are also plenty of opportunities to build new friendships — even beyond one's own community.
York said during her stint with being governor of Alberta and part of B.C., she travelled to conventions across the country.
“I know people from all across Canada, so if I travel, I can say, 'Hey — I'm going to be in town! In travelling to different places, if you can find a (Kinette) group, a lot of times they will welcome you right into their homes,” she said. “It's amazing.”
As to encouraging others to check out the local club, York said it's an ideal way to give back to the community without the stress of having to do something on your own.
“You can meet like-minded people and at the same have fun,” she said. “It's like a 'one and done; and have fun.'”
The Ponoka Kinettes hold meetings once or twice a month, along with hosting socials and pursuing various community projects. They have also supported a wide range of causes, from the Red Deer-based Ronald MacDonald House and the Boys and Girls Club of Ponoka (BGC) to STARS Air Ambulance. They have also run blood donor clinics in town as well.
Meeting are held at the Ponoka Kinsmen clubhouse.
For more about the organization, meeting dates and times, and other upcoming events, find the Kinette Club of Ponoka on Facebook, email ponokakinettes@kincanada.ca, or call 587-850-5530.