Learn More About Us
We’re all about the KIDS!!
Many people may not have heard of Kiwanis before, but our impact can be found throughout the community in countless ways. Sometimes we are front and centre organizing events like the Kiwanis Sap Run for Kids during the Muskoka Maple Festival. Other times, we are working quietly behind the scenes — delivering more than 500 filled backpacks to local schools to help ensure students are prepared and supported for success.
No matter the project, our mission remains the same: to improve the lives of children in our community.
Kiwanis is made up of dedicated volunteers who believe every child deserves encouragement, opportunity, and the support of a caring community. Through service, partnerships, and local initiatives, we strive to make a meaningful and lasting difference for children and families throughout Muskoka.
Why should you join Kiwanis?
Volunteering is a selfless act, but it does come with some unexpected benefits. For example, did you know that multiple studies show that helping others is linked to longer, healthier lives? It can also lead to personal growth, and a spirit of togetherness.
Another benefit: skills you can use in your personal and professional life. Develop skills like strategic thinking, communication/marketing and event planning. Kiwanis has online leadership programs and in person training as well.
You make a difference! Every person counts!
Maple Festival Sap Run for Kids
Our Signature Event proudly kicks off the Muskoka Maple Festival, hosted by the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce in downtown Huntsville. Held each year in late April at River Mill Park, this safe, fun, and family-focused event encourages children to stay active, build confidence, and create lasting community memories.
Featuring two race distances — 500 metres for children ages 3–7 and 1 kilometre for ages 8–13 — young participants run a supervised course along safely closed roads, rain, snow, or shine. Every child who registers receives a commemorative Kiwanis lanyard and race tag recognizing their participation, and a sweet maple treat awaits them at the finish line.
More than just a race, this event is an investment in the children of our community. It brings families together, celebrates healthy living, and reminds young people that they are supported and encouraged by those around them. The continued support of local businesses and sponsors plays a vital role in making this meaningful community tradition possible year after year.
Staples School Supply Drive
Each year, Staples stores across Ontario proudly partner with local Kiwanis Clubs to help support children and families in their communities. Because every community faces unique challenges, Kiwanis works closely with local schools to identify where support is needed most and to ensure those needs are met in meaningful ways. For the past 20 years, Staples has invited customers to add donations to their purchases from July through September, with 100% of the funds raised staying within the community to support local students and families.
Muskoka continues to demonstrate incredible generosity, and we are grateful for the strong partnership we share with the management teams at our local Staples stores. Together, we work to ensure every dollar raised goes as far as possible in helping children succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Our shared goal is to provide students, teachers, and families with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. By supporting education, promoting equity, and strengthening our community, we are making a lasting and positive impact on the lives of local children and their futures.
IRONKIDS
Beginning at the doors of the Summit Centre, participants run along a portion of the official IRONMAN course before crossing the same finish line as the athletes, complete with the race clock overhead and cheering supporters along the route. For many children, it is an unforgettable experience that builds confidence, encourages healthy activity, and inspires them to challenge themselves and believe in what they can achieve.
Year after year, the enthusiasm and excitement these young participants bring back to the event is truly inspiring. Every child receives a race bib, finisher medal, bottled water, freezie, and a goodie bag generously provided by the primary sponsor — ensuring each participant feels celebrated for their accomplishment. Through events like IRONKIDS, we continue our commitment to creating positive experiences and opportunities that help children in our community grow, thrive, and feel supported.
Bike Rodeo
Each year, Huntsville’s young cycling enthusiasts come together to participate in the Kids’ Bike Rodeo — a fun, educational event designed to help children build confidence and learn essential bicycle and road safety skills. Children ages five to twelve take part in a variety of interactive activities that teach them how to safely navigate roads and intersections, recognize traffic signs, use proper hand signals, and understand the importance of bicycle safety inspections before riding.
This community-wide effort brings together the OPP, the SportsLab, local Service Clubs, and dedicated volunteers, all working toward a common goal: protecting and supporting the children of Muskoka. Kiwanis is proud to play an active role in these safety initiatives, helping ensure young riders gain the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe while enjoying the freedom and fun of cycling.
More than just a bike event, the Kids’ Bike Rodeo promotes active living, family involvement, physical fitness, and community awareness about safely sharing our roads. By investing time and resources into programs like this, we are helping create a safer, healthier future for the children and families in our community.
Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity that truly makes a difference?
Kiwanis is fun, friendship, service, leadership, educational programs, networking, personal growth and recognition... Interested?
Does this sound like what you've been missing?
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