Thompson Kin Club Brings Hope to Children at Crisis Center with Kindness March

Amidst the cold temperatures and fierce winds, the Thompson Kin Club held their Day of Kindness on March 16th to help supply the clothing needs of children in Shamattawa and Thompson. The event was a great success, with thirty participants coming out to support the cause.

The Kin Club's march for kindness was a remarkable event, with shoes, boots, and socks collected for the Sidney Project and the Thompson Crisis Center. The event was made extra special with the initiation of Rita into the Thompson family of the Kin Club, representing a membership of 4000 Canadians nationwide.

The event was even more special for Rita and the Thompson Kin Club members in attendance as the initiation was performed by Kin Canada District Governor for Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Theresa Roberts, Deputy Zone One Governor Amanda Chudyk, and Thompson Kin Club President Shannon Johnston. Congratulations, Rita, on becoming a member of Kin!

The Thompson Kin Club has always been at the forefront of community service, and their latest efforts to bring hope and warmth to children at the crisis center is a testament to their commitment to serve. The children at the Thompson Crisis Center often do not have access to new footwear, and the Sidney Project, headed by its founder Carla Atichow, endeavors to collect new footwear for children in Shamattawa.

The Kin Club's Day of Kindness saw the collection of 24 pairs of runners, boots, socks, and toques, which were donated to the crisis center. Additionally, $82 was given to each group, which was complemented by two donations in the amount of $200.00 for each organization by the Thompson Kin Club.

The Kin Club's generosity did not end there, with $4,800 raised for the "Refurb the Bird" campaign launched a couple of years ago. The Kin Club is working hard to raise another $4,200 to reach $9,000, and with the help of supporters and donors, it has slowly become a more achievable possibility.

Much of the money has come from selling the beloved Rudy the Raven stuffies, which are nearly sold out. Rudy the Raven has been a recognizable Thompson icon for well over 45 years, and with the long mascot history, the suit is due for repair as the suit becomes increasingly tattered with use.

The Thompson Kin Club's Day of Kindness was an inspiring event that brought hope and warmth to children in need. Their commitment to serving the community is a shining example of what can be achieved when we all come together.

~Matthias J. Johnson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Thompson Citizen. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

Matthias Johnson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thompson Citizen