The world has changed significantly since 1920 when Hal Rogers launched the first Canadian Kinsmen club in Hamilton, Ontario. Polio was a dire threat in the world at that time, and Kinsmen volunteers were motivated to help through fellowship and service to the community. The organization spread across Canada, and the Kinsmen Foundation of British Columbia was established in 1952.
Although their original focus was to find a cure for polio and help British Columbians who had been affected by the disease, their mandate changed in 1955 to support those who had survived and required rehabilitation.
Over seven decades, the foundation has accomplished a great deal, and stayed true to their mission to “raise funds to support many worthwhile organizations and individuals facing the daily challenges of living with a severe physical disability to improve their quality of life and independence.”
Ean Price knows all about how small things can make a big difference. As a former board member for the Kinsmen Foundation and now an Innovation Strategist with the Technology for Independent Living Program (TIL), his personal and professional knowledge of these differences is profound.
Ean lives with a degenerative disease, and his needs continue to change. He requires a ventilator and lives on his own with 24-hour support. While voice activation allows him more independence and adds to his sense of well-being, Ean says that non-verbal TIL members may prefer to push a button or switch, or use a straw to blow, puff or sip until a preferred ‘task’ button is chosen. For some people, an eye-tracking software tablet can connect to existing hardware. Motion sensors can automate routines of everyday life. Remarkably, hundreds of commands can be programmed into the remote. Ean explains that where able-bodied people easily open/close or unlock/lock the door to their home, turn on the TV, computer or lights, and open/close blinds, he and others rely on a wide range of technologies to make it happen.
There is no question Ean deeply appreciates the dedication and ongoing support of the Kinsmen.
“Without it, there is no way that we could have the same level of independence.” Quite simply, he says, “I feel like a fish out of water when I’m not in my wheelchair.”
Ean believes he speaks for many others about the benefits that funding from Kinsmen provides. The Door Opener Program, for instance, leads to “more independence, safety from fires, floods or other dangers, overall well-being, fresh air and less isolation.” He believes the Kinsmen’s level of commitment has helped to raise public awareness of the needs of people who are living with a disability.
FUNDING SOURCES In the early years, funding came from sources such as the Kin/Win Lottery and Mother’s Marches. Fun fact: Former Cabinet Minister Grace McCarthy was the first Honorary Mother. The first highly successful march was held for one hour on February 28, 1953; the idea was that if you left your porch light on, it showed a willingness to help, and a ‘Marching Mother’ would come to collect your donation. Years later, as lottery and fundraising became more competitive, the organization focused on local events to raise funds. The annual golf tournament (temporarily on hold due to the pandemic), membership dues, donations, and legacy gifts now support a self-sustaining Endowment Fund.
WHO ARE KINSMEN? Jim Watson appreciates the expression, “Hats off to the past, coats off to the future, now let’s get to work.” As a member since 1962, Jim has been involved at the local level in various provinces and at the national level. He has observed many changes over the years, and is proud of the organization’s numerous accomplishments, some of which are listed below.
Jim deeply believes that his own and other volunteers’ lives have been enriched by the experience of focusing on the greater good of the community. He noted that his own son is also a Kinsmen, and that intergenerational membership is common. There has been a decrease in the overall number of Kinsmen clubs and members, but thanks to the dedication of its members and the Endowment Fund, the Kinsmen Foundation of BC will continue to make a difference throughout the province in the future. The Kinsmen Foundation of BC website provides a detailed account of their past and present work.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS INCLUDE MAJOR FUNDING FOR:
- Noble House, an accessible residence that provides independent living for persons with severe physical disabilities.
- The yellow room at Canuck Place, where children and families facing a life-threatening illness can stay when they need a home away from home.
- Kinsmen Neurological Tower at the University of British Columbia, a world-famous research facility at UBC.
- The land for G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre, as well as subsequent significant funding.
- Kids On The Block, a province-wide education and awareness school puppetry program to help educate young people about disabilities.
For seven decades, the Kinsmen Foundation of BC has helped British Columbians who live with a disability seek out the best possible life. And there is still much work to be done. As the population ages, the need for education, awareness and consultation, as well as assistive devices, accessibility, equipment, and specialized therapies will continue to grow.
Congratulations and a heartfelt thanks to all Kin, Kinettes and Kinsmen for a job well done!
To learn more, visit To learn more, visit www.kinsmenfoundationofbc.ca
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