Members of the Kiwanis K-Kids club, Key Club and Medicine Hat Cadets pose for a photo in Kiwanis Park during an appreciation luncheon for youth volunteers during Kiwanis One Day.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
Young members of three local service groups were recognized for their volunteer efforts around the community with a free lunch and recognition event held by the Medicine Hat Kiwanis Club on Tuesday over the noon hour.
Volunteers representing the Kiwanis K-Kids, Key Club and Medicine Hat Cadets were invited to attend the free lunch and showcase community service projects they achieved throughout the year.
President Perry Bergum says the youth honoured during the luncheon all share qualities of leadership.
“Through Kiwanis, they learn how to become members of the community and contribute their time,” explains Bergum. “That’s the kind of people we’re looking for to be members of our groups.”
The Kiwanis K-Kids program, a student-led service leadership club, is designed for elementary school students and helps them develop a passion to serve within their community.
This year, Violet Coroy and Serena Stachowich, both students at Webster Niblock School, spoke about several volunteer efforts they have been part of throughout the year that include candy sales at Christmas and Valentine’s Day, hosting Halloween games and planning a movie and popcorn event for Pink Shirt Day.
“We have also done dress-up-days, like pajama day,” said Coroy, who told the News she enjoys planning events and volunteering during her free time.
The Kiwanis Key Club is an international service organization for students in high school and expands on volunteer and community service projects as well as providing students the opportunity for scholarships.
Student members Kayla Williams, Hannah Fenwich and Riley Knapp spoke about their experience in hosting the Alberta Junior High Leadership Conference at Medicine Hat High School.
The one-day conference for student leaders and teacher advisers aims to empower youth to make meaningful changes within their schools, and provides opportunities for students to develop leadership skills.
“I love bringing people together, I don’t like people just being alone and feeling alone,” said Williams. “So it’s just allowing a connection to form, it feels nice.”
“I feel like there’s a strength and sense of community here, I feel like being part of it, this really inspires that and shows the importance of connection,” said Knapp.
“I just like the idea of putting yourself out there and meeting new people,” said Fenwich. “Community is really important to me and I just love the idea of just bringing everyone together.”
Members of the 15 Medicine Hat Royal Air Cadets Squadron also attended the appreciation lunch. Aged 12-18, cadets typically gain valuable life skills including teamwork, leadership and citizenship throughout their service.
Cadets are also involved in community service initiatives and leadership opportunities that prepare youth for leadership roles as well as a potential transition into the regular forces.
Cadets are also required to attend military services and are a driving volunteer force during the poppy campaign around Remembrance Day.
“It’s a sense of us being youth, coming together and doing something that most youths don’t do,” explains Corp. Dyer. “It’s that we all go and do it for a better and bigger purpose.”
Dyer says the several activities she is exposed to throughout cadets, including overnight campouts and first-aid training, helps build a tight-knit community.
“Community is a big thing,” explains Dyer. “After a while of being with the same kids for a while, the community really comes together and everyone is like best friends.”
The Kiwanis Club of Medicine Hat sponsors all three clubs, providing financial support to help programs grow and expand within the community.
