Leona Thorogood
|
The picture shows me congratulating Leona Thorogood moments after she
was installed as the first female president in the 87-year history of
the Association of Kinsmen Clubs, now known officially as Kin Clubs.
Founded in 1920 in Hamilton, Ontario by 21-year-old Hal Rogers and a
group of his under-40 male friends, it is estimated that over one
million young Canadian adults have been members. My wife Aline and I
were very active members until we hit fateful 40 and were out.
Until recently Kin remained all male under 40. The age and gender limits
were lifted several years ago. The ladies had their own clubs called
Kinette Clubs.
Kin has proudly remained all-Canadian despite several attempts to take
it across the border.
Things change, and thankfully so has Kin. On Aug.18, 2007, Kin history
was made when Leona Thorogood of Stettler, Alberta became its very first
female president. When you meet her and read her bio you will quickly
agree that she was well worth waiting 87 years for.
Raised on a farm near Barrhead, Alberta, she obtained a Batchelor of
Education from the University of Alberta. Her professional career is
fascinating: Certified General Accountant and mutual fund sales. Leona
and husband Neil own and operate three public accounting offices in
Alberta. She is a member of Stettler town council, is mother of two
21-year-olds, and has many interesting hobbies. Now you understand she
was worth waiting 87 years for.
As Kin president, Leona will spend the year travelling across Canada
meeting and guiding Kin Clubs.
When I asked her if she realized what she had ahead of her she replied,
“Dick, what I had agreed to sunk in the moment the chain of office
was put around my shoulders. I believe so strongly that service
organizations are the lifeblood of so many communities, that to be the
ambassador for one of them will be a daunting task. I tell everyone you
should follow your passions and beliefs. If you do, amazing things will
happen in your life.”
Madam president, Leona Thorogood. Another Canadian Achiever. Read more
about her at
www.canadianachievers.com.
|
