KIN CANADA’S WINNIPEG CLUB MAKES AN EXTRAORDINARY SECOND SIX-FIGURE DONATION TO CYSTIC FIBROSIS CANADA
TORONTO, November 27, 2022 – For the second time since 2020, the Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg has made an astounding six-figure donation to Cystic Fibrosis Canada. This year’s donation of $102,640 from the Winnipeg service club is surpassed only by the same club’s 2020 donation of $186,923. That gift remains the largest annual contribution from any Kin Canada club since the organization first began supporting Cystic Fibrosis in 1964.
“In 2020, when we had to cancel most of our fundraising events, the Winnipeg Kinsmen were determined to fill the gap,” said Johanna Cotte, Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s National Kin Canada Liaison. “Leaning into TV Bingo during the pandemic was a stroke of brilliance. It provided connection and entertainment to thousands of people during pandemic lockdowns and raised hundreds of thousands for cystic fibrosis. We are incredibly grateful to the Winnipeg Kinsmen and Kin Canada clubs for standing by us for decades and for leading with passion and heart when the cystic fibrosis community needed them most.”
The Kinsmen Jackpot Bingo airs on CTV Winnipeg and on YouTube and is supported by people across Manitoba. At one point during the pandemic, the jackpot for this hugely popular event reached $3.6 million.
“I have had the chance to meet the Winnipeg Kinsmen over the past few years and again at the Walk this past spring when they presented us with this exceptional donation,” said Kelly Grover, President and CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. “They are passionate, committed and importantly, a fun group of people. They stepped up when fundraising was a tremendous challenge during the pandemic, raising more than $350,000 over three years. The Winnipeg Kinsmen were determined to take Kin Canada’s cumulative support for cystic fibrosis over the $50 million mark and through their hard work and ingenuity, they did it – and we are so thankful!”
Cystic Fibrosis Canada is the charity of choice for Kin Canada. Since 1964, Kin clubs have raised more than $50 million for Cystic Fibrosis Canada, the largest cumulative donation in our 60-year history.
“We have a strong and long-standing commitment to Cystic Fibrosis Canada,” said Tim McKay, former President of the Winnipeg Kinsmen. “We knew that even though fundraising was difficult during the pandemic, the needs of those living with cystic fibrosis remained the same, or were in some cases greater because of the pandemic. That’s why we were happy to step up and give.”
About Kin Canada
Kin Canada is an all-Canadian service organization made up of dedicated member volunteers who serve their community’s greatest need through hosting and sponsoring events and community service projects. Since its founding, Kin, Kinsmen and Kinette clubs across Canada have contributed more than $1 billion to Canadian communities and disaster relief programs beyond our borders.
About cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting 4,332 Canadian children and young adults. There is no cure. Of the Canadians with cystic fibrosis who died in the past five years, half were under the age of 37. Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, degenerative multi-system disease that affects mainly the lungs and digestive system. In the lungs, where the effects are most devastating, a build-up of thick mucus causes severe respiratory problems. Mucus and protein also build up in the digestive tract, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. In addition to the physical effects of the disease, mental health concerns are emerging; anxiety and depression are common among this population. Double lung transplants are the final option for patients with end-stage disease; most fatalities of people with CF are due to lung disease.
About Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Cystic Fibrosis Canada has dramatically changed the cystic fibrosis story. We have advanced research and care that has more than doubled life expectancy. Since being founded by parents in 1960, Cystic Fibrosis Canada has grown into a leading organization with a central role engaging people living with cystic fibrosis, parents and caregivers, volunteers, researchers and healthcare professionals, government and donors. We work together to change lives for the 4,332 Canadian children and adults living with cystic fibrosis through treatments, research, information and support. Despite our remarkable progress together, we are not yet done. Not when half of the Canadians with cystic fibrosis who died in the past three years were under the age of 34. We will keep pushing, keep going further until all people with cystic fibrosis can and do experience everything life has to offer —and enjoy everything life has to offer. Learn more at cysticfibrosis.ca.
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For more information:
Tel: (905) 317-5529
Email: nyoung@cysticfibrosis.ca
Nicole Young, Director, Marketing and Communications