Cornwall’s Knights of Columbus Ontario Council 755 received several awards at the 121st State Convention in Niagara Falls earlier this month.
The council won best council, state deputy longevity, family service and life service awards and was runner-up for the faith and community service honours.
Ontario Council 755 has for the last 75 years been a source of support and funding for numerous non-profit groups, such as minor sport organizations, schools, Girl Guides, pro-life and parish communities.
Members have prepared, served and paid for the cost of the material for many parishes and schools in support of their fund raising efforts. The council held two fundraisers which netted approximately $5,000. The council’s holding company, which operates two banquet halls, has facilitated fundraising activities. The halls are donated to the group and two commercial kitchens make it all happen. Volunteer members go shopping for the supplies, help set up the venue, prepare the meals and clean up afterwards. The hall, food and supplies are all donated.
During these many years countless members have volunteered hours for these events.
Members have contributed well over 19,679 hours so far this year, and at $18 per hour, this equates to $354,222.
“We shall continue the current programs in place and strive to expand on new ones,” said Grand Knight Roland Besner.
“One of the new programs we are proud of to have participated in is the Coats for kids program. This year we purchased 84 brand new winter coats (of various sizes male and female) which we distributed to those in need at various schools, the homeless and veterans. And the Council executive hopes to expand even more on the program this year.”
