WILKIE — What began as the Wilkie Kinsmen Club, chartered in 1941, has evolved into a new entity, Wilkie Community Club.
Kinsmen Club membership has had its ups and downs over the years, with people moving away and lifestyle and different priority changes. Then COVID brought an end to mainstays of their fundraising such as the lobster supper, peanut drive and old timers banquet. Membership dropped, leading to discussions among the remaining members, and it was decided it was time for a change.
The members wanted the money they raised to stay in Wilkie. The problem was the club was not able to take advantage of Kinsmen programs that were available to more active clubs because the membership kept dropping. This meant it was time to cut ties with the provincial body.
It was not an easy decision for the members. They still wanted to raise money for activities and events in Wilkie, help with the fundraising for the new pool and other events.
Wilkie Community Club has approximately 12 members. They meet at the Saskcan Community Centre dance hall the first Monday of the month. When it is seeding and harvest time, the date might change. The club are always looking for new people to join and there is no age limit.
The first event held by the new club was a steak night, which replaced the lobster night. The members were pleased with the turnout and are hoping that they can build on that event and raise money for what is needed to make Wilkie a town that people want to come and live in.
Kinsmen History
Kinsmen Club was chartered in 1941, with the help of the late Jack Hartt. Hartt moved from Kerrobert and was a member of the Kinsmen there. He explained that in the first few years, the focus was on a Milk for Britain fund and pressing old paper and rags for the war effort.
Over the years the club was instrumental in putting on events like car bingos, ice carnivals, helping ball teams, hosting Halloween Shell Out for the kids with the money raised going to an evening of entertainment for the youngsters, helping the Scouts, raising money for the first swimming pool in Wilkie, hosting dances, the annual Kinsmen Sports Day held in what is now the regional park, a mid-summer bonspiel and other events.
The club held the Old Timers Christmas Banquet for seniors 65 and older, a delicious free meal with musical entertainment that many seniors enjoyed and talked about for years.
The most important thing about the club, was the desire to give back to the community for whatever function, fundraiser was happening and to help people in need.
