Kin Club volunteers a force for good in CBS

By Mark Squibb\April 14, 2023

The Kin Club has been active in Conception Bay South since the beginning — literally.

The Town this year is celebrating 50 years of incorporation, and the Kin Club has been active for 46 of those years.

“Our motto is ‘Serving the Community’s Greatest Need,’” said member Tracy Lawrence. “And probably our biggest project is donating to the food bank.”

Each year, Kin Club members walk in the Santa Claus parade, volunteer at the Remembrance Day ceremony, and man Salvation Army Christmas Kettles when needed.

This past Christmas was especially busy, as the members made up special Kin Care bags for school-age children in need, carolled for seniors, purchased presents for two less fortunate seniors in the community, and delivered countless food hampers.

Throughout the year, the club’s volunteers raise money for cystic fibrosis and MS charities.

The club boasts 20 active members, with two more set to join in the near future.

Those interested in joining can reach out to a member.

“What we ask people to do is attend three meetings just to get a feel for the club,” explained Lawrence. “And then they do a screening and vulnerable sector check, and then they can become a member. Most people who come to the meetings usually join.”

Lawrence, herself a longstanding volunteer of over 40 years in various causes, has been a member of the CBS Kin Club for four years now.

“I was fairly new to CBS and I was working an evening shift at the time and I had time during the day and so I was looking for something to do, and so I Googled ‘volunteer groups in Conception Bay South,’ and I found these guys,” said Lawrence, who decided to join when she saw how much work the club does in the community.

“Volunteers fill the need in the community,” said Lawrence. “And I like it because it feels good, and I like helping others and putting a smile on someone’s face.” Outside of the Kin Club, Lawrence volunteers with a number of other organizations, such as the Canadian Red Cross, the Avalon NorthEAST Running Club, and with town festivals such as the Kelligrew’s Soiree and Winterfest. She has also been nominated for Citizen of the Year in Conception Bay South’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year Awards, to be awarded later this month.