A well known member of the community was recognized for his service to the community when he was presented the Life Member award at the Estevan Kin Clubs Awards banquet of Friday evening. 

"I'm just totally floored." shared Darryl Shirley. "It's probably the highest honour the Kinsmen would ever bestow on anybody. It is given my the members, not the association, the members give this to you. So basically all the guys I've worked with over the years, they decided I needed it. Basically saying thank you for all the services I have done."

He adds that he's been involved with the Kinsmen for around 20 years and got his start with them after a group of friends took him to play in a hockey tournament.

"I went up to Yorkton with a bunch of guys and played hockey, and we had some fun and I said, 'These are a bunch of good guys." And then I got involved with the Kinsmen and they took me up to Telemiracle and I found out what it's really about. So basically, I joined for fellowship and to get to know the guys, but I stayed because of Telemiracle and for all the good they do."

Being an owner of Bert Baxter Transport, he has been able to use those resources to help even more people. 

"I've used some of my equipment over the years to help out and do stuff."

"I've been a Kinsman member for many years. I've done a lot of fundraising I've done a lot of projects. The more I give of myself to the Kinsmen or to the community, the more I get back. It really works that way."

"Everyone's got to make their own mind up of what they can do. Too busy to volunteer? I don't think anyone is ever too busy to volunteer, but that's my opinion."

"I just know that it's been a defining factor in my life to volunteer to give service to the community to give service to the Kinsmen and my life has been enriched by that club. My suggestion, just get out there and do it and you'll have so much fun, fellowship and a sense of pride and self worth for helping out others It's what it's all about."

"Both clubs do a lot for the community and every single one of them are special people that are in the clubs."

Kinsmen Rookie of the Year: Preston Majeran
Kinsmen of the Year: James Jones

Kinette Rookie of the Year: Janelle Schwartz
Kinette of the Year: Angela Bresciani

Tara Kyle was awarded the Maple Leaf of Distinction from Kin Canada.