Like most Canadians, Ontario’s Dave Sopha has watched the media reports of our Canadian Forces’ activities in Afghanistan. He, like so many others, has been heartbroken each time we learn of the loss of life of another Canadian soldier, sailor or aircrew.

Each of these news reports took a toll on Sopha but on December 5, 2008 it became too much. It was on this date that three soldiers, Warrant Officer Robert Wilson, Pte. Demetrios Diplaros, Cpl. Mark McLaren, all from 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, were killed by an IED.

Pte. Diplaros’ death brought the number of Canadian troops killed in the Afghan war to 100.

Kin Canada – the Association of Kinsmen, Kinette and Kin clubs is proud to be an all-Canadian service organization made up of outstanding community volunteers. From coast to coast, members are enhancing quality of life in their communities by promoting service, fellowship, positive values and national pride. The Association boasts a proud 90-year history dedicated to fostering life-long friendships while 'Serving the Community's Greatest Need.'

Membership – more than 7,000 members belong to approximately 500 Kinsmen, Kinette and Kin clubs from coast to coast. Kinsmen clubs are predominantly male only, while Kinette clubs are predominantly female only. Kin clubs have mixed membership of men and women.

Clubs undertake a wide variety of local fundraising and service projects. Each club operates autonomously when determining how it fundraises and distributes those funds within the local community.

More than $1 billion raised – Every year, Kin clubs contribute millions of dollars to Canadian communities. In fact, Kin members have proudly contributed more than $1 billion to Canadian communities since their Association was founded in 1920.

History – The Association was founded by Harold (Hal) Rogers on Feb. 20, 1920 in Hamilton, Ont. Rogers was 21 and, after returning from the trenches of the First World War, he missed the companionship of the men he had served with. Looking to join a club, Rogers decided to join Rotary, but his application was rejected because it was Rotary's policy not to admit two members from the same business establishment (his father, with whom Rogers worked, was already a member). As a result of this rejection, Rogers and a small group of men gathered for a dinner meeting and became the first Kinsmen club, the Kinsmen Club of Hamilton.

Mission Statement – 'Kin Canada is a dynamic volunteer organization enriching our communities through service while embracing national pride, positive values, personal development and lasting friendships.'

Kin Motto – 'Serving the Community's Greatest Need'

National Charity – Since 1964, the Kinsmen and Kinettes have proudly supported the work of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CCFF). This year, Kin Canada's national fundraising project's total contributions will surpass $37 million – making Kin Canada one of the largest supporters of CF research and care in Canada.

2009/10 National President – Sean Thompson, of Kingston, Ontario

Association's National Headquarters – Located at 1920 Hal Rogers Dr., in Cambridge, Ont., about 100 km west of Toronto on Hwy. 401. Eight full time staff provide administrative services to approximately 500 Kinsmen, Kinette and Kin clubs. Ric McDonald is the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director.