On Feb. 22nd, the Lacombe Kinsmen Club joined clubs across Canada in celebrating the 100th years of operations by holding a flag-raising ceremony at the Lacombe Legion Branch No. 79. A small ceremony was held where Kinsmen Club President, Tye Friesen discussed the history of Lacombe’s Kinsmen Club. 

“It’s a pretty cool day that Kinsmen Service Club has been in Canada for 100 years. This is definitely a good segway into our 70th year anniversary of being in Lacombe,” said Friesen. 

The Kinsmen Club’s main agenda is to serve the needs of the community by sponsoring different projects. Locally, they have supported recreational projects such as playgrounds, athletic facilities, and educational pursuits through grants and bursaries. As well, the local chapter supports people in the community through programs like Santas Anonymous and by continuing to donate to valuable organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lacombe and District. 

Tye Friesen, President of the Lacombe Kinsmen Club conducts a short ceremony for the flag-raising.

“We definitely always try to keep our eyes and ears open for somebody that needs a helping hand or any youth sports that we can help out with. We’re always trying to help out. Definitely, keep trying to grow our footprint and help out as many people as we can,” explained Friesen. 

The club meets regularly at the Lacombe Legion Hall to discuss business and fellowship. The Lacombe Kinsmen club will be flying their flag next to the Legion’s for the next week to commemorate the two organizations’ strong relationship. 

Although many organizations struggle in the tough economy, Friesen says that Lacombe’s Kinsmen Club is still as strong as ever. 

“It’s growing. The last consensus that I’ve heard about a year or so that we’re the second-largest club in Alberta and we have one of the only growing clubs in all of Canada,” explained Friesen. 

The entirety of the Lacombe Kinsmen Club makes up one per cent of the populations of all Kinsmen Clubs across Canada and is always welcoming new members.  If you are interested in volunteering with the Kinsmen Club, Friesen encourages anyone to contact a club member or check out their social media page.