Kiwanis club adds a little glitter to Christmas

Posted on: Staff Writer

 

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter
 
The Kiwanis Club helped put smiles on the faces of underprivileged children this holiday season. Approximately 15 children and their families went to Walmart Dec. 19 to go shopping for Christmas presents. The kids were each given a $35 gift certificate to buy themselves a present, and parents were given Tim Hortons gift cards. 
“The club bought them with donations, and we’ve gotten donations from a few different groups,” said Cory Johnson, founder of the Strathmore Kiwanis Club. 
Kiwanis is an international organization and their mission is to help make a difference in the community one child at a time. There are over 600,000 members worldwide. Johnson became the president of the downtown Calgary Kiwanis Club and then the Lieutenant Governor. After that, he was elected the Governor Elect for Western Canada. 
After the children were done shopping, Kiwanis members bought the families breakfast at McDonalds. The Boys and Girls Club and Hope Community Church recommended a few kids who could benefit from the program. 
“It’s not all based on whether they are underprivileged financially. It’s based on, maybe they are having a tough time, or there has been a death in the family,” said Johnson. 
It is for families and children, “In need of a little bit of glitter in their Christmas.”
The Kiwanis Club is still new to Strathmore, with the first meeting only having taken place in September. In order for them to be able to gain a club charter, they must have a minimum of 25 members. Johnson said at this point they are still looking for more members. There have been approximately 18 people expressing interest in the club, but they are always looking for more members and more donations.  
Next year, Johnson said they hope to make it 30 to 50 kids that they can help at Christmas. The next event the club is planning is a trip to the Spiritual Equine Connection to take part in an equestrian program. EnCana is interested in donating money to make that program happen, said Johnson.