For 65 years, the Kiwanis Club of Manotick has been woven into the heart of our village. From holiday parades to pancake breakfasts, from music festivals to youth leadership programs, their presence may feel familiar — and yet, the impact of their work reaches far deeper than many realize. At its core, Kiwanis exists to serve the children of the world — but here in Manotick, that mission is rooted in something beautifully local: community care, generosity, and connection.

As the Club celebrates its 65th Charter Anniversary this year, we sat down with Tammy Hulme (President) and Debbie Mulvihill (Past-President) to reflect on the club, the people behind the initiatives, and the meaning of showing up for one another.

A Legacy of Community Support

The Manotick chapter of Kiwanis was founded in 1960 — and one of the founding members, Dale Davidson, is still part of the club today. While the group has evolved over the years alongside the village itself, the heart of the mission remains constant: supporting children and families, and strengthening the community through service.

Most of the funds raised by the Kiwanis Club stay right here in the local area. Most recently they’ve supported organizations such as ROSSS (Rural Ottawa South Support Services), YOMA (Youth of Manotick Association), local food cupboards, school breakfast programs, youth leadership clubs, and winter clothing drives.

Their work with youth extends into local high schools through Key Clubs — student-led groups that reflect the Kiwanis spirit of giving back, helping others, and having fun while doing it. The Manotick Kiwanis Club proudly supports five Key Clubs with a combined membership of approximately 200 students, who volunteer within their schools and community, raise funds for chosen causes, and carry forward the values of service and leadership. The Club also provides scholarships at local high schools to help students pursue their goals.

As our community grows, needs shift — and Kiwanis continues to show up where they are needed most.

Events That Bring Manotick Together

You’ve likely felt the energy and the impact of Kiwanis without even realizing it.

Some of the beloved local events they help organize or support include:

• Dickinson Days
• The Parade of Lights
• Christmas Tree Lot at Manotick Home Hardware
• Shiverfest Pancake Breakfast
• Taste of Manotick Volunteers
• Soapbox Derby (in partnership with the MVCA & the BIA)

Behind the scenes, the club’s fifty-five members are the ones organizing permits, coordinating floats, flipping pancakes, greeting visitors, and making sure these community traditions return each year.

One of the most cherished highlights?
The Parade of Lights, brought to life with the help of dedicated community members — including the tireless efforts of Neil Usher, who coordinates floats, applications, and street closures to bring joy to thousands each December.

Fundraising With Purpose

The Kiwanis Club hosts several key fundraisers annually, including:

• The Christmas Tree Lot, generously supported by Manotick Home Hardware
• Christmas Cakes, Cookies and Truffles Fundraiser, sold at local Christmas markets and senior’s residences
• Bingoland South events, the club’s largest ongoing fundraising initiative

Funds raised have a visible and meaningful impact locally:

• Support for YOMA, ROSSS, and school breakfast programs
• Funding for summer camps and youth programs
• Support for Ottawa Mission and Shepherds of Good Hope
• Winter clothing drives for families in need
• Support and companionship for Aktion Club, which serves adults with disabilities

And every April, the Club also helps run the Kiwanis Music Festival — a competition that celebrates performance and local talent, from young beginners (starting around age 5) to seasoned vocalists and musicians, that brings music to churches and community spaces across the city.

The Heart Behind the Work

Kiwanis is more than events and fundraising — it’s community in motion.

When asked what being part of Kiwanis means, members often mention the same moment:
Walking into their first meeting and feeling instantly welcomed.

Debbie shared that she joined the club after the sudden loss of her husband, during a time when she was retired and feeling unsure of how to re-enter community life. A gentle invitation from Gary Coulombe, and a warm, welcoming first meeting led by Larry Ellis, helped her feel at home. She still remembers Larry asking if she was related to the Mulvihill family from the valley — and the shared smile when the answer was yes. It was that moment — familiarity, kindness, and belonging — that made her stay.

Another member’s story speaks to the magic of showing up — even when you almost don’t. After drifting away from online meetings during the pandemic, Tammy shared that she returned to in-person volunteering in 2022. There, while helping sell Christmas trees, she met Ken. A simple volunteer shift became a conversation, a connection, and eventually, a love story. Sometimes the most meaningful moments unfold where you least expect them.

Continuing The Legacy

As Manotick continues to grow, the Kiwanis Club hopes to welcome new members and volunteers, continue supporting youth, seniors, and families, expand local partnerships and programs, and ensure that the community traditions we all look forward to each year continue for generations to come.

The Kiwanis Club of Manotick has helped shape village life for 65 years — and the next chapter will be written by the people who choose to be part of it.

If you’ve ever looked for a way to give back, meet new people, or feel more connected to community, this may be your invitation.

Join, volunteer, or simply show up. There’s a place for you here.