'We're serving Manitoba's greatest needs': Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg marking 100th anniversary

The Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg held its first meeting on Feb. 20, 1924. The club is marking its 100th anniversary this month.

Kevin Turney had been aware of the Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg for most of his life, but a tragedy gave him a first-hand look at what they do, and made him want to join up.

"My nephew and godson had taken his own life from addiction," he said. "When the Bruce Oake Centre was getting talked about, I started getting involved a little more to do with it, since it was in the area I lived in.

"I then realized Winnipeg Kinsmen was a part of it, and were giving money for it. So I looked into it a little further and realized all of the charities that they help and all the wonderful things they do, and I wanted to be a part of it."

Turney has been a member for the past four years, and currently serves as the vice-president of projects. The club, which is marking its 100th year in 2024, helps charities and organizations around Winnipeg.

"We're serving Manitoba's greatest needs," he said.

The Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg held its first meeting on Feb. 20, 1924. Alf Rosevear served as the president. The Winnipeg club was the first located in the Prairie provinces, and the third overall to be created.

"We're the second-longest serving club in Canada," Turney said, noting that only the Kinsmen Club of Canada in Hamilton has lasted longer, founded in 1920.