After 96 years of service, declining membership could force New Westminster's Kiwanis Club to fold in the next two weeks.
Past president Marge Ashdown told the Record numbers have been extremely low over the years, causing the board to consider shutting down the organization.
"We're scraping the bottom of the barrel right now. Our membership is half of what is mandated by the B.C. Gaming Commission," she said. "We are appealing to the younger demographics, as well as others, to step up to the plate and assist in keeping the club alive."
The Kiwanis Club serves kids around New West 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 local high school students.
"There are so many other worthy efforts, far too extensive to lose in our community," Ashdown said.
The club receives roughly $25,000 a year from the B.C. Gaming Commission, with the stipulation that it maintains a steady roll call.
Ashdown blamed the lack of interest on economics and an aging membership.
"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.
An issue Ashdown has run into has been new members joining, but not volunteering.
"We've had a lot of people do that, signing up as a member, but when we had the fundraisers, there's no one to help us. We do appreciate the time, as well as the membership fees," she said.
The shortage of helping hands has also meant the group's annual hanging-basket sale has been turned over to the New West chapter of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Ashdown said while the club has until September (the end of the fiscal year), to make a decision about closing up shop, the decision will probably be made in the next couple of weeks.
"There's a lot of winding down that has to be done if that's the case, and that consists of writing letters to the schools, saying, 'I'm sorry, but we can no longer contribute,'" she said.
A meeting is scheduled at Ashdown's home this Thursday for anyone interested in joining. You can call 604-838-2675 or email [email protected] to request further details.
"We need your help now. If you can see yourself helping our community well-being, please call me," she said.
