Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE KIWANIS CLUB OF LAKESHORE MONTREAL INC.?
The Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore Montreal Inc. is a not-for-profit service club and registered charity made up of men and women volunteering their time to better the community.
WHAT DO CLUB MEMBERS DO?
Kiwanis members effect positive change through volunteering their time to community efforts. At the heart of these efforts is a devotion to children and youth; through our financial and moral support to non-profit organizations and schools, these young folk have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, increase literacy and social interactions, as well as have the support to manage special needs and other challenges in the community.
WHEN WAS THE CLUB FOUNDED?
The Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore Montreal Inc. was founded in 1958. It is under the umbrella of Kiwanis International, which has become one of the largest service clubs in the world.
HOW IS THE CLUB STRUCTURED?
At the head of the club is a volunteer Board of Directors, who are elected annually at the general meeting. They oversee the club's direction.
WHY SHOULD I BECOME A MEMBER?
By becoming a member, you get a golden opportunity to give back to your community and become part of our tradition of service. Through volunteering, you will forge new connections in the community and build friendships with your fellow members.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?
Though time commitments will vary depending on each member’s preferences, typically members attend a Luncheon or Dinner meeting (or both) each month and volunteer on a committee that meets once a month. Your time commitment to volunteering for Kiwanis activities entails about one day per month.
WHAT ARE THE MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS?
We currently offer two types of membership: Individual and Family.
Individual Membership gives you the opportunity to collaborate with other like-minded individuals through involvement in our committees, programs, and fundraising activities.
Family Membership allows you to share the Kiwanis membership experience with family members for discounted rates.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Individual Membership comes with an annual fee of $150, and the cost of luncheons or dinners is about $25 each.
Family Membership allows members of your family to join for an annual fee of only $100.
WHAT KINDS OF COMMITTEES, PROGRAMS, AND FUNDRAISING EVENTS COULD I BE INVOLVED WITH?
There are several committees, programs, and fundraising events you can get involved with in part or take a leadership role as a member. These activities focus on helping children and youth as well as individuals and families in need through our beneficiary non-profit organizations. You can participate in committees such as MEMBERSHIP & COMMUNITY RELATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING or FUNDING & FINANCE. You may also help with translations and Social Media as well as with the annual Holiday Nuts and Cakes Sales, Golf Tournament, Online Events or help create new fundraising events.
WHAT DO I GET AS A MEMBER?
By becoming a member, you get the opportunity to give back to your community and build fellowship with men and women who share your values. Membership also gives you the opportunity to attend all of the club’s social events and initiatives.
CAN I ATTEND THE KIWANIS LUNCHEONS and dinners IF I AM NOT A MEMBER?
Yes, absolutely, we welcome visitors. The luncheons and dinners are open to the public and prospective members to give you the opportunity to meet our members and Guest Speakers, and get better acquainted with the values and dynamics of our organization. We are always interested in new members joining our club.
HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER?
Becoming a member is simple. First, you join us at one of our luncheon meetings or volunteer projects. Then you will be matched with a club member who becomes your sponsor, who will then help you get better acquainted with the club and guide you through the membership process. This all then gets reviewed by the membership committee and the Kiwanis Board before you are invited to become a member.