Kin Canada is the
country's largest all-Canadian service organization. Founded in 1920, its members are active community volunteers. Over 600
Kinsmen, Kinette and Kin Clubs across Canada support CF research and fund other local projects. The clubs also offer their
members opportunities to grow, learn, make friends and have fun.
Since 1964, Kinsmen and Kinettes have devoted their
efforts to an incredible assortment of events ranging from daisy days to BBQs, and pub putts — in this time members
from coast to coast have raised more than $34 million in aid of a cure or effective control for cystic fibrosis.
Click here for some Frequently Asked Questions about CF.
History of the Partnership
The friendship between Kinsmen and Kinettes and Canadians with
CF began out of a conversation between Dr. Douglas Crozier, then director of the CF Clinic at The Hospital for Sick Children,
and Kinsmen Bill Skelly. During a chance meeting at a Scarborough pub, Dr. Crozier spoke to Bill about his young CF patients.
This conversation left Bill interested in joining the fight against cystic fibrosis, and Dr. Crozier was invited to talk to
the North York Kinsmen Club. Almost immediately, the North York Kinsmen enthusiastically backed the CF cause. By 1964, District
8 had formally adopted CF as its District Service Project. District 8's commitment sparked the interest of other Districts,
and before long involvement spread Canada-wide, throughout the Kin organization. In 1987, the Association of Kinsmen and Kinette
Clubs adopted the CCFF as a National Service Project.
Today, Kinsmen and Kinettes remain our loyal friends, continually
fundraising for CF research and promoting CF awareness. In 2002, Kin reached an outstanding milestone when total funds raised
for CF surpassed $30 million. These funds have helped Canadian researchers make major strides in the fight against cystic
fibrosis.
In 2003, Kin celebrated its partnership with the CCFF by holding the first Annual National Kin-CF Day on
Saturday May 3. Due to the huge success of that day, the first Saturday of May each year has been designated Kin-CF Day.
The
hard work and support of Kinsmen and Kinettes is deeply appreciated by Canadians with CF. Since 1964, Kin and the CCFF have
shared in many exciting accomplishments, including the discovery of the gene responsible for CF in 1989. The discovery of
this gene would not have been possible without the tremendous help of Kinsmen and Kinettes.
Thank you to Kinsmen and
Kinettes for everything they have done to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis—we look forward to continuing our work
together to find a cure for this terrible disease.
Click here for a
brief history of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
