It looks like the Kiwanis Club of New Westminster won't be closing after all.
Past president Marge Ashdown said the group has gained an additional four members since March 11, the day the Record reported that membership was at an "all-time low."
"People saw the article and said, 'Hey, no, this can't happen. I'll get involved.' We then got a few more, so onward and upward, we're moving forward," she said. "We're still looking for new members to help us out, but we will be continuing."
The club, which has operated in the community for 96 years, serves local kids by funding various initiatives. The list includes school breakfast and lunch programs, $15,000 towards the new playground at Qayqayt Elementary and several bursaries for high school students.
Funding for these projects, roughly $25,000 a year, comes from the B.C. Gaming Commission. One of the stipulations is that the club maintains a steady roll call. But with an aging membership and a busy lifestyle, Ashdown said attendance has been on a steady decline over the years.
"It takes two to bring in an income in order to afford a house, so both are working. I think it's harder now to volunteer when you're doing it for free, or you have no time," she added. "Illnesses have arisen, some have moved out of the city and some are just too tired."
The fee to join the Kiwanis Club is $135 for the year, with the option of paying that amount on a monthly basis. Duties include helping out during fundraisers and deciding how the $25,000 pie is split.
For more information, you can call Ashdown at 604-838-2675 or email [email protected].
