This is the President’s Club, brought to you by Briwood Farm Market.
The desire to establish a community service club with a focus on volunteering and not specifically fundraising led to formation of the St. Thomas Golden K Kiwanis club nearly four decades ago.
President Richard Routhier explains the close to 60 members are involved with 18 to 20 groups in the community, including the food bank and the Meals on Wheels program.
A new service adopted last summer by Golden K Kiwanis members is a novel approach to childhood literacy.
The Blue Boxes for Books was originally launched by the Investing in Children organization and now Golden K Kiwanis members are managing and growing the program in St. Thomas.
Getting kids into the habit of reading at an early age opens up a world of possibilities tor them. Especially for youngsters from lower-income families where books may be considered a luxury.
The aim is to expand the program this year and the preference is that children keep the books to set up their own libraries and re-read their favourite books.
As to his involvement with Golden K, Routhier retired about a dozen years ago and was encouraged by a friend to attend the meetings in St. Thomas, “and I liked what they were doing and decided to join.”
That encouragement has paid dividends as Routhier is now at the helm as president.
To hear our podcast with Richard Routhier, click below.
