Efforts are being made to try and open a local chapter of Kiwanis clubs.

Terry Ross is Formula Chair for Western Canada. He explains Kiwanis is a global organization, aimed at trying to improve the lives of children. Clubs take part in hands-on service projects such as building all-access playgrounds, restocking libraries and buying medical equipment.

Kiwanis currently has six clubs in Winnipeg, two in Brandon and one in Gimli.

"We are looking to move outside of those parameters, we're looking for younger people, we're looking for communities that have new growth," explains Ross. "Steinbach appears to fit that mold."

An information meeting has been planned for October 25th at Steinbach Arts Council. Ross says from 7 pm to 9 pm they will be speaking with interested individuals. Ross explains they need 15 adult members in order to start a local club.

If there is enough interest for a club in Steinbach, an organizational meeting will be held, where a President and Secretary-Treasurer will be elected. Ross says the Kiwanis Foundation of Canada provides some funding to get the club up and running.

Ross notes the early interest from Steinbach has been better than expected.

Terry Sekhon is a member of the Gimli club. She says her club provides schools with breakfasts, hands out scholarships, makes blankets for children and recently purchased a french horn for the Gimli High School.

"The club that opens in Steinbach, they decide what projects they want to do, when they want to meet, where they want to meet," explains Sekhon. "We just guide them."