Club History

Early fund raisers were an "Annual New Years Eve Ball: Hats and Novelties - Food and Mix Supplied, Kazakoff Orchestra, all for $10.00 per couple." Then followed the first of many Golf Tournaments and dances, "Refreshments served, $5,00 per couple." In compliance with Kiwanis International rules, all funds raised through public functions must be spent on public service. At that time the club was involved in the organization of a Navy League, support of Sea Cadets, construction of a ball park west of what is now Ecole Frank Ross, contributing $200 to the city to build a bridge across the ravine there and plant about 125 trees in the park. Other fund raisers followed: construction of garbage stands, sale of birthday calendars, sponsorship of events such as the Don Kossak choir and assorted raffles.

Groups that have benefitted from funds raised have included 4-H, Minor Hockey, Little League, the Dawson Creek Public Library, Northern Lights musical presentations, and the Peace Country Arts Festival. Orff Musical instruments were purchased for the elementary schools, supplies provided for a special class in Pouce Coupe, and funds were provided for construction of a cabin at the School District's camp at Gwillim Lake. The Kiwanis club started the first Senior Citizens drop-in center and helped with their move to larger quarters in a building at that time next to Aspol Motors. For several years the club sponsored an annual bicycle safety "Rodeo" in conjunction with the RCMP. The club also funded the purchase of the first Jaws of Life rescue equipment for the city and later a newer replacement, donated a heart monitor to the Dawson Creek hospital and provided the ambulances with the first radio-telephones. The club also contributed $1000 to the construction of the present Golf Club, which was then promoted as a community center.

Small fund raisers never provided enough money to help the above causes and many minor ones, so the Kiwanis Trade Fair was started in 1976, the brain child of Stan Sharkey and Maurice Farne. The first show was a learning experience for all, it raised all of $400.00. From that small beginning it gradually grew to the major event it is now.

As a secondary fund raiser the Christmas Card Lane project was started under the presidency of Roy Craigan. This has grown to become a popular Christmas brightener in the city. Members of the club have participated in making pancake breakfasts during Bonanza Days, with clean-up campaigns, Salvation Army kettles and food drives, serving "mooseburgers" to tourist caravans and assisting other organizations with fund drives. The Dawson Creek Kiwanis club was the sponsor of the Kiwanis Enterprise Center that has received international acclaim, was the first sponsor of the Kiwanis Community Band that has carried Dawson Creek's banner to many places in BC and Alberta, including the Calgary Stampede, and is now embarking on its second tour of Europe.

Under the instigation of Kiwanian Jens Liebgott the club started the Kiwanis Performing Arts Centre when music was being phased out in the public schools. For several years the club has supported a toy and book library at the Child Development Center and been a major supporter of the Kiwanis Kids Choir under Judy McGowan's direction. People may also have noticed a police car with the Kiwanis logo on it; the Club provides that vehicle for the community service person with the RCMP. Ongoing also is the presentation of scholarships and bursaries to graduating students and participants at the KPAC Talent shows.

The Dawson Creek Kiwanis Club is part of Western Canada District which extends east to Thunder Bay, Ontario, and north to Hay River, NWT. As such, the club has carried the Dawson Creek banner to many conventions, had two Lieutenant Governors for the western division, and sponsored the District Convention in 1991 which brought over 300 visitors to the city. Six of its members have been awarded the prestigious Mel Osborne Award for outstanding service.

At its lowest point the club dropped to twelve members, but for several years has been between thirty and thirty-five. All are proud of their membership and the service the club provides. It is hoped that the coming Trade Fair will raise sufficient funds to carry on with these and other projects that are an important asset to the city.

Walter Schoen	April 1999	Mel Modien	March 2001
Gord Moffatt	October 2000	Art Smith	October 2001
Dale Hansen	December 2000	Marg Anderson	December 2002
	Arlan Dokken	December 2004