Kiwanis Clubs of Kitchener and Waterloo


Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time.

ONE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE - WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

	Oktoberfest Citizenship Court is held every year in a new public or separate school where the concept of being a Canadian is part of the curriculum. The Court grants citizenship to a number of new Canadians and their families in a public setting that reflects our values and sense of community. Kiwanis organizes and runs this annual event.
	ROOF - Reaching our Outdoor Friends, a resource drop-in centre for street kids was devastated by a fire last year. Kiwanis helps with donations and labour to assist in getting them up-and-running in temporary quarters. They are looking to re-build and we will provide additional planning and strategic assistance as needed.
	Wonders of Winter, a festival of lights in Waterloo Park. Started in 1994, it provides seasonal cheer to all who tour the displays. Kiwanis assists with administration, setup and maintenance.
	Kiwanis Park - owned by the City of Kitchener, Kiwanis operates this 130 acre family park along the Grand River. It boasts a two-acre asphalt-lined swimming lake, picnic areas, some with shelters, a concession booth, playground, sand volleyball courts and much more.
	Oktoberfest - The AUD (Karlsberghaus) Ein Prosit with Attitude! One of Kiwanis' major fund raising activities, it has won the Best Large Festhalle Award for 2002, 2003, and 2004! Our band, the Saxons won Best Band in 2005. Run entirely by volunteers who provide over 5000 hours annually to operate the Festhalle, all funds raised at the event go back into the community.
	Housing Projects - Kitchener based Cedar Court (72 units) and Valleyview (31 units) not-for-profit housing projects are funded and operated by Kiwanis
	Kitchener-Waterloo Kiwanis Music Festival - one of the oldest music festivals in the province. The Kiwanis Music Festival was founded in 1948. Over 1900 participants play instruments, sing, perform in choirs and bands. The Festival runs at venues all over Waterloo and spans 7 days of competitions. Many volunteers are recruited from Kiwanians, and the community to run this event. KW Kiwanis Music Festival April 25th to May 5th, 2007 Paul Shaffer (of The Late Show) endorses Kiwanis Music Festivals in Canada - go to www.joinkiwanis.com and click on the link to Kiwanis Music Festivals
	Library Links for Life/Books to Grow Kiwanis funds these program for both the Waterloo Public Library and the Kitchener Public Library. They have early reading programs for tots aged 1 - 5. Volunteer readers take themed books to care givers and read to the children. After the term of visits is completed, each child is given a book to keep. The KPL also runs book depositories in Community Centres around Kitchener.
	Camp Ki-Wa-Y Is located on the west shore of Paradise Lake, just outside of St. Clements. Of Ki-Wa-Y’s seventy-seven acres, over twenty-five are naturally wooded, untouched and truly beautiful; a spectacular surprise considering it's just 15 minutes away from Kitchener-Waterloo. Originally founded and built by Kiwanis, the camp is now run by the YMCA. Kiwanis still owns the land, and subsidizes campers who could not otherwise afford to attend.
	Rockway Public School Playground The Principal of Rockway School approached the Waterloo North, and KW Kiwanis Clubs with a request for funding of a replacement playground. The estimated cost of $34,000.00 was overwhelming to the Parents Council. They raised $12,000 to begin Phase 1 of the playground through the sale of cookie dough etc. The Kiwanis Club of Waterloo North pledged $2,000 towards the project, and The Kiwanis Club of Kitchener-Waterloo stepped up and donated the remaining $20,000 to complete the playground. It was opened officially on June 13, 2006.
	Children's Village Memorial Chapel Constructed in 1993 by the Cameron Heights Golden K Kiwanis Club, and maintained by them. The chapel is part of the Waterloo Regional Children's Safety Village on Sportsworld Drive, next to the Regional Police headquarters. It is a non-denominational church that seats 4 and has actually had 1 small wedding performed in it!
	Toys for Tots Program Several of the Cameron Heights Kiwanis members support students from Laurentian Senior Elementary School in the construction of over 1000 simple wooden toys each year. These toys are distributed through the Salvation Army Christmas gift hampers.
	Mary's Place Every Spring and Fall, Cameron Heights Kiwanis members help with a property clean-up at the Benton Street Women's shelter.
	Sponsored Leadership Programs Kiwanis is a unique service club organization in its founding of youth organizations that are service-oriented as well. Kiwanis recognizes the need to build leaders of tomorrow. Builders Clubs are for students in the upper grades of public school (ages 12-14). Key Clubs are for High School students, Circle K Clubs are in the Colleges and Universities.

To learn more about the Kitchener and Waterloo Kiwanis Clubs, click here