A Belleville service club that has served the local community for more than 100 years is shutting down.
Last week, the Kiwanis Club of Belleville presented cheques to two local organizations as they met for the final time.
Receiving support at their final Kiwanis meeting was Belleville General Hospital ($45,407.69) and The Children’s Foundation (over $55,000).
Local Kiwanis clubs have been plagued by declining enrollment, which was also a factor that recently saw the Trenton branch cancel next year’s Walleye World Fishing Derby due to several factors including a lack of volunteers.
The Children’s Foundation posted the following thank-you to Belleville Kiwanis after the cheque presentation last week.
POST from TCF – A Century of Service Comes Full Circle Last night marked the final meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Belleville Ontario, which first began serving our community in 1923. For over a century, Kiwanis members have been champions for children — from launching the Safety First program in 1932, to the Well Baby Clinic in 1942, and most recently, donating over $55,000 to The Children’s Foundation’s Keep Baby Safe program. Their incredible generosity will continue to provide cribs and car seats for children in need for years to come.
Thank you, Kiwanis Club of Belleville — your spirit of giving back lives on in every child you’ve helped to explore, learn, play, and thrive.
(PAUL MARTIN)
