The Kinsmen Club of Wallaceburg is being recognized for almost a century of dedication to the community.
The club, chartered in 1932, was named the Chip Gordon Citizen of the Year at Wednesday night’s Wallaceburg Business and Community Excellence Awards.
Past-president Bill Young says it is truly an honour to have the opportunity to give back to the community.
“It is a great thrill to help the community with all their endeavours throughout the years. We appreciate the Chamber and the award.”
Among its many accomplishments and projects, the Wallaceburg club spearheaded the construction of Memorial Arena, members were very involved with the drive for the construction of the Sydenham District Hospital and later the subsequent upgrade to the Hospital and Birthing Centre, and were instrumental in developing Kinsmen Park and later upgrading the park and baseball field and naming the field after Mike Childs.
Gary Carroll, Clarence Fields, and Crystal Babbitt were all honoured with the Legacy Award.
Other honourees last night include Wallaceburg Martial Arts as Business of the Year, Michelle Lajoie of Tropical Tan and Palm Tree Boutique for Entrepreneur of the Year, and Kasidy DeWulf as Young Professional.
Full list of 2023 nominees and winners:
Agricultural Award
1. Agris Co-operatives – WINNER
2. The Jennen Strawberry Family Farm
3. VanDamme Transportation
Business of the Year
1. Glasstown Brewing Co.
2. Splash Pools Plus
3. Wallaceburg Martial Arts – WINNER
Chip Gordon Citizen of the Year
1. Kinsmen Club of Wallaceburg – WINNER
2. Wallaceburg Sports Hall of Fame
3. Tri Shores ATV Club
Entrepreneur(s) of the Year
1. A. Childs Homestead -Adam Childs
2. Tropical Tan & Palm Tree Boutique-Michelle Lajoie – WINNER
3. Your Hometown Deli
Legacy Award (all nominees honoured)
1. Gary Caroll
2. Cystal Babbitt
3. Clarence Field Page
Industrial Award
1. DeMall Group Inc.
2. 1 Source Design – WINNER
3. Ritch-Meyer Machine & Mold
Technology Award
1. All Ears – WINNER
2. Glassford Productions
3. Par72 Golf Lounge
Volunteer of the Year
1. Mike Hindmarsh
2. Julie VanDamme – WINNER
3. Henry Vanharen
Women in Business
1. Erin Burnett-All Occasion Gifts & More – WINNER
2. Melissa Gaylor-Beef Meatz Bun
3. Kelly Hetherington
Young Professional Award
1. Kasidy DeWulf- Sales Rep Realty House Inc. Brokerage – WINNER
2. Martha Fehr- The Chip Co.
3. Tanner Havens-99.1FM
Community Inclusion Award
1. Kleenway
2. Mark & Sarah’s No Frills
3. Rulmeca Ltd – WINNER
Wallaceburg BIA Award
Ryan Strong