Knights of Columbus Basketball Free Throw Competition held yearly at KDHS
The Knights of Columbus (K of C) have been dedicated to giving back to the community they reside in for over a century. Paul Johnson, current Grand Knight of the Kingsville Chapter #8233, says that although many events the Knights hold annually have been cancelled over the past year due to the pandemic, they are still very active.
Oktoberfest, the Wild Game Dinner, the Santa Claus Drive, the Free Skate on New Year’s Eve are a few examples of charitable functions we’ve enjoyed in the past and have missed this year. But stand by!
Grand Knight and KDHS Teacher Paul Johnson at the Food Pantry
Recently, the Knights have joined forces with Kingsville District High School staff and students to create a food pantry which is placed just outside the front doors of the school. Members of the community are able to help themselves to single-pack items when they are in need.
Because students were not attending school in person at the time, KDHS staff built the pantry. The Knights ensure that it is full of food, and students will now take over responsibility for maintenance.
In collaboration with KDHS, the K of C council funded TechZone to build a playhouse, giving students real-world carpentry experience. K of C raffled the house off, with all proceeds going to charitable endeavours. The playhouse was then donated by the winner to the Jack Miner Public School Kindergarten program.
Knights of Columbus are proud of the Playhouse
The Knights of Columbus organization was founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity in 1882. Their first principle of charity is put into action by bringing financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and needy members of the community.
Efforts extend beyond our community when the need exists. These efforts include disaster relief, Coats for Kids, and funds for refugees.
Unity and fraternity are very important to members of the K of C. For instance, every year (before COVID) members and loved ones would gather for their K of C family Christmas Party.
Pre-COVID K of C Family Christmas Party
In Paul’s words:
“With Springtime coming fast the Council has an opportunity to start new events. On April 17th, The Kingsville K of C will host a pork barbecue take-away fundraiser that will be open to anyone in the community. All the proceeds of this barbecue will go to funding our Annual Bursary, which is open to graduating high school students who live in Kingsville and excel in volunteerism, community action citizenship. If you wish to learn more about joining the Kingsville K of C, please contact me at Gk8233@ontariokofc.ca.”
The St. John de Brebeuf and Companions Chapter continues to serve. We send out a heartfelt “Thank you!” to these community champions!
Tony Thoman, Rene Everaert, Larry Everaert, Greg Coulter and Paul Johnson volunteering at the beer tent for Hogs for Hospice
~ All photos provided by Paul Johnson
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Is there someone you think should be considered as a community champion? We want to know! Send an email to Lynn at lynn@lynnmclaughlin.com