On Saturday, June 24th the KMFRC conducted the first ever CFB Kingston Connect-A-Thon. The event had to be moved inside last minute to the Constantine Arena due to inclement weather, instead of being held right outside the KMFRC. Thanks to joint community efforts however, the change in location didn’t discourage people from attending the event and allowed for the event to go ahead smoothly as planned and turn it into a great success.
About 450 CAF members and their families used the opportunity to attend this family fun event that also offered direct information to newcomers and people interested to learn more about what life in Kingston has to offer. Thirty information booths that included, community partners, like SISIP, CANEX and PSP, and clubs from base, as well as different school boards in the region, Kingston based aid organizations and other relevant organizations like, Service Ontario and the Kingston Public library (KFPL), provided firsthand information and even used this unique opportunity to connect amongst themselves. Popular crowd magnets were the Limestone District School Board Skills Mobile, Kingston Fire & Rescue with their fire truck and not just one, but three mascots- Sparky, Barrack the bear and the blue BMO bear – who were ready to give extra cuddles to everyone.
The entertainment was well received and included live music with Craig Jones and the Alternative Facts, a Hula Hoop performance and lessons by Kingston Circus Arts, magic performances by Rob Driscoll and facepainting, a balloonist and games provided by Not So Amateur.
A big thank you goes out to our sponsors from Sutton Group Masters Realty Inc. and Coca Cola Bottling, Kingston and our food vendors Tacos Tacos and Kona Ice.
The KMFRC would like to send a special shout out to its volunteers in the various capacities, for providing their time, dedication and muscle support wherever needed. An event like this relies heavily on volunteer involvement and our organization knows fully well, we could not have done this without the help of our fantastic volunteers and the success of the day was in part due to the multiple hours the volunteer contributed.
If you wish to know more about volunteer opportunities or how to contribute your time to the KMFRC as a volunteer, please contact volunteer@kmfrc.com. High School students looking to fill their mandated volunteer hours are welcome to apply to the KMFRC at the above address as well and will be guaranteed volunteer hours, whether on a regular basis or at events.
Thank you all and hope to see you next time!
By Sonja Taylor, KMFRC Marketing Specialist