Where does all the money raised at TeleMiracle go? A lot of it depends on decisions made by the Kinsmen Foundation Board of Directors. They’re the ones who get the privilege and the responsibility of reviewing the 1000 or so funding applications that come in each year and then, based on our mandate and policies, decide which applications get funded or not.
At the helm of the Board is the Board Chair. A member of Kin who applied to be selected as Vice Chair. They spend one year as Vice Chair, one year as Chair, and one year as Past Chair. Quite the commitment!
This year’s Board Chair is Lyndsay L’Heureux. We asked her a few questions, so we could get to know her a bit better.
Q. What do you want to share about yourself?
A. My name is Lyndsay L’Heureux, and I am the Chair of the Kinsmen Foundation Board. I am an Agronomist by profession, but these days I spend my time at home where I farm with my husband Devin. We have two young children – Nora and Ellis.
Q. How long have you been in Kin and what made you decide to join a club?
A. I have been a member of the Kinette Club of Jansen & District since we re-chartered in 2014. Kin was very active in my hometown of Jansen while I was growing up. Both of my parents were involved, which meant I was witness to many different events and community projects, and of course saw how much enjoyment the fellowship brought. I knew deep down that I wanted to be a part of Kin someday. In 2014, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a TeleMiracle show and I WAS HOOKED. The energy, the feeling of being part of something bigger than me, and of course knowing that what I was helping with was changing people’s lives just filled my cup. That summer, I was a part of a small group of ladies that recruited members and re-chartered the Kinette club in Jansen.
Q. What have been some of the highlights of your Kin “career”?
A. I have had several highlights of my career already! That first TeleMiracle (and lets be honest, every TeleMiracle since) was a highlight, how can it not be! I was the President when our club re-chartered, which was a unique challenge but still definitely a highlight. The biggest highlight of my career has definitely been my experience being on the Kinsmen Foundation Board.
Q. What would you say to someone who is thinking of joining Kin?
A. I would say to just do it! It is such a rewarding experience. You get to know so many people that you otherwise may not meet. Even if you are in a small town and think you know everyone….you might be surprised who you become friends with through Kin. And of course, it just feels so good to be a part of something bigger than you, and to know that you are making your community a better place.
Q. What made you decide to sign up to be Chair?
A. Some people join the Board “with their eye on the prize”. That definitely wasn’t me. Nobody from my club had served on the board let alone been to a meeting, so I was pretty nervous for my first meeting and didn’t entirely know what to expect. But I was hooked, it is so humbling to have the opportunity to advocate for individuals who are facing some of the most challenging times of their lives. As I neared the end of my two year term as Zone Rep, it felt natural to step into a leadership position and continue volunteering with the Kinsmen Foundation.
Q. What would you say to Kin who are thinking of being on the Board?
A. Volunteering on the Kinsmen Foundation Board is a big commitment. But the reward is even bigger – you will gain knowledge of social programs, mobility/accessibility equipment and assistive devices, other funding sources, and board experience. Not to mention you will make some very special friendships with other Kin members from around the province. But the biggest reward of all is being able to be the person to directly tell someone – your application for funding has been APPROVED!
To learn more about the Kinsmen Foundation Board CLICK HERE
To learn more about Kin and joining a local club CLICK HERE
