Kin Wilson Bridger:

 

Life Membership is the highest award that the Kinsmen Club of Canada can bestow upon a member. Since the club was founded in Botwood in 1974, this is only the fourth time for a member to be installed as a life member.

 

Wilson joined Kinsmen in 1977 and has served on all executive positions during those 40 years. During his years with the organization, Wilson has served as president and has served in all other capacities throughout the years. He has also chaired many project during his time with the club. There hasn’t been a year that he hasn’t been on the executive. He is now serving as secretary a position he has had many times.

 

Wils has also served on the Zone executive. He has received Kinsmen of the year three times. In 2015 he received the Town of Botwood’s volunteer of the year award.

 

As you can imagine its impossible to list all the awards he has won over this long period of serving the communities greatest need.

 

Anyone who knows Wils, knows that he doesn’t do it for the recognition. Wils takes pride in the club’s motto: Serving the community’s greatest needs. Wils is helping to make the world a better place.

 

Not only does Wilson volunteer with Kinsmen he has also volunteered at the Twomey Health Centre cooking when they have special events. He was a beaver and cub leader. He prepares the annual Christmas Senior’s dinner which the Kinsmen run every year. Wils also helps with the Christmas dinner at the United Church. He is an active participate at our Seaport Festival Celebrations. He has coached the High School hockey team for many years. He has coached in the Minor Hockey program. He helps the United Church with their fund-raising.   He is also a leader in the United Church of Botwood serving as secretary and chair of Missions and Service. He assists in the preparation of meals at the Breakfast Program at our schools. He offers his service to the Royal Canadian Legion.   The youth in our town like the Boys and Girls Club call on Wilson for help with their fund-raising activities. When anyone thinks of Kinsmen in Botwood, they think of Wils.

 

As you can see from the above list, Wilson has always been there when called on to lend a helping hand. Our club and community are much richer for his volunteer work. His contribution of voluntary time over the years has been enormous.   On behalf of the Botwood Kinsmen Club we would like to say Thank You Life Member Wils.