OUR HISTORY
Since our founding in 1925, we have worked to fund, create, and support initiatives that shape Edmonton’s social and recreational landscape.
/ 1925-1939
Humble Beginnings
Our story began in 1925, when Clarence Richards, an Edmonton teacher, was inspired by the work of the Kinsmen Club of Calgary. A meeting at the Royal George Hotel led to the official formation of the Kinsmen Club of Edmonton, with Richards serving as our first president.
From the very beginning, we focused on community service. In 1927, we launched our first project—organizing weekend outings for children in the University Hospital’s orthopaedics ward. That same year, we took over the Christmas Seals Campaign to fight tuberculosis (TB), raising funds for medical care and even hiring the first Kinsmen Nurse to support Edmonton families battling the disease.
/ 1940-1969
A Growing Legacy of Service
During World War II, we played a key role in the Milk for Britain campaign, sending over 280,000 quarts of milk to help nourish British children.
By the late 1940s, the idea of a civic recreation center began to take shape. In 1953, we secured a 58-acre lease on Walterdale Flats and transformed it into Kinsmen Park—a project that would later evolve into one of Edmonton’s most significant recreational hubs.
Key contributions from this era:
- 1955: Built Edmonton’s first hard-surfaced tennis courts.
- 1958: Opened the Kinsmen Pitch & Putt Golf Course.
- 1961: Completed Kinsmen Park, featuring sports fields, an ice rink, and a grandstand.
Our fundraising efforts also evolved, from Kinsmen Car Awards (1948) to the popular Peanut Night campaign, where volunteers sold peanuts citywide to support club initiatives.
/ 1970-1999
Major Civic Projects
The 1970s were a defining decade for Kinsmen Edmonton. Our club spearheaded the creation of the Kinsmen Village, which included the Kinsmen Fieldhouse (1968), an Olympic-sized aquatic center (1977), and later, the Kinsmen Twin Arenas (1997).
Notable contributions:
- 1971: Installed artificial turf in the Fieldhouse.
- 1978: Hosted the Commonwealth Games Aquatic Events at the newly completed Kinsmen Sports Centre.
- 1980s-1990s: Expanded fundraising efforts, including bingo nights, semi-truck lotteries, and sports celebrity dinners.
Our commitment to health initiatives also continued, with long-term support for Cystic Fibrosis research, the University Hospital, and the Alberta Lung Association.
/ 2000-Present
Expanding Our Impact
As we entered the 21st century, the Kinsmen Club of Edmonton adapted to the evolving needs of our city. Some of our most impactful contributions in recent decades include:
- 2005: Launched the Community Services Committee to assess and support high-impact projects.
- 2007-2017: Organized Toy Blitz, providing holiday gifts for families in need.
- 2011: Created the Legends Experience, hosting major fundraising concerts.
- 2018-2023: Established the Soundtrack Music Festival, an annual event supporting local charities.
Today, our Kinsmen Twin Arenas, Pitch & Putt, and Sports Centre continue to serve thousands of Edmontonians. With every project, we honor our 100-year commitment to service, fellowship, and leadership.
Celebrate our legacy with us
We’re welcoming sponsors and community partners to help make this milestone event extra special. Sponsorship includes brand visibility, recognition throughout the evening, and the chance to support a legacy of service in Edmonton.