A popular, long-running agricultural exhibition offers more than the latest in farm innovation and technology.
The Drayton Farm Show, organized annually by the Drayton Kinsmen, helps others in a variety of ways.
Half of the $5 admission fee to the March 30 and 31 event at the PMD arena is donated to Cystic Fibrosis (CF) research.
In 2015, over 2,500 people attended the farm show, which meant the Kinsmen were able to donate a substantial amount of funds to this cause.
About CF
According to www.cysticfibrosis.ca, CF is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults.
There is no cure for CF, a multi-system disease, primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system.
In the lungs, where the effects of the disease are most devastating, a build-up of thick mucus causes increasingly severe respiratory problems. It may be difficult to clear bacteria from the lungs, leading to cycles of infection and inflammation, which damage delicate lung tissue.
Improved therapies have helped to address digestive issues and virtually all CF-related deaths are due to lung disease.
Community betterment
The remainder of the proceeds from the Drayton Farm Show are put toward various Kinsmen projects in the community.
The farm show is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Kinsmen.
Over the years, members of the organization have completed hundreds of projects, including an addition to the agricultural society building, purchase of a rescue van and the Jaws-of-Life for the local fire department, development of ball parks and soccer fields, and a large contribution to the PMD Arena.
In 2013, the Kinsmen, in partnership with the Moorefield Optimists and Township of Mapleton, raised funds and provided manpower to create new playgrounds at parks in Drayton and Moorefield.
In 2015, the club joined forces with the municipality and Rothsay Darling Ingredients Inc. in the revitalization of the playground at the Rothsay Park.
Those are only a few examples of what Kinsmen have done for the community. The club also provides support to a wide range of causes.
Over the years those have included: minor ball, hockey, soccer, figure skating, Scouts, school trips and activities, Kinsmen ball and soccer fields, Moorefield Optimist Park and playgrounds, Drayton Festival Theatre, community theatre groups, youth theatre, Drayton Farmers’ Market, seniors outings and foster children.
The fire department, pregnancy crisis centre, area United Way, the local food bank and multiple sclerosis research are all helped by the Drayton Kinsmen. The club also focuses on providing money for anti-drug programs and bicycle safety courses.
In recent years the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Ontario March of Dimes, 4-H programs and the local agricultural society have been beneficiaries of the Kinsmen’s generosity.
