The Presidents Club

Behind every thriving community are the Leaders who make it happen! 

KingstonDaily News presents the Presidents Club

Celebrate those building stronger communities, listen to the full podcasts below.

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  It's Presidents Club Day here on 102.7 WOW FM. We're featuring Kevin Collins, President and CEO of our local Easter Seals. 

  Collins was born with Cerbral Palsy and says that Easter Seals has been a part of his life since he was 12, even serving as a youth ambassador. 

  He says eventually his professional life evolved but always involved the organization, workig in the 90's managing their corporate and special events before leaving for another organization that raised money for Easter Seals Camps. 

  That kept him busy until he took on his current role as President and CEO in 2017. 

  Easter Seals has been around 102 years, largely due to the generous donors who keep programs like the Easter Seals camps going. He, and everyone involved are very grateful for the generosity of the people of Kingston, and beyond. 

  The smiles on the faces of the kids they help makes it all worth while. 

  To learn more or get involved, click here.

  Listen to our full interview with Kevin Collins below. 

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  It's Presidents Club Day here on 102.7 WOW FM and today we're featuring Gary Lees, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Kingston Limestone Region.

  Habitat for Humanity Kingston is scaling up its efforts to provide affordable housing as demand rises.

  CEO Gary Lees has been with the organization for 11 years. 3 years at the national office and 8 years in Kingston. He says they're shifting from building single-family homes to larger developments, including fourplexes, 12-unit buildings, and even 84-unit condo projects. Gees says this change will help more families while keeping costs lower.

  In 2023, Habitat built eight tiny homes in Kingston’s north end with help from students in a local skills program. This project was a success and was well-received by the community.

  However, rising construction costs remain a challenge. Lees says Habitat relies on federal funding, donors, and ReStore sales to fund its projects. Volunteers and material donations also help reduce costs.

  Looking ahead, Habitat plans to build a semi-detached home while preparing for larger projects in 2026 and beyond. Lees says early planning is key to expanding affordable housing in Kingston.

  To learn more or get involved, visit HabitatKingston.com.

  Listen to our full interview here:

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  It's Presidents Club Day here on 102.7 WOW FM and today we're featuring Trisha Pedros, President of the Kinsmen Club of Kingston.

  The Kin Club of Kingston is a small group of dedicated individuals who strive to serve our Community’s Greatest Need, since their inception in 1932. The club is 100% volunteer-run with 100% of proceeds returning back to the community. 

  Pedros tells us their big project right now is the Kinsmen Club Dream Home Lottery...with tickets on sale until February 24th. 

  Last year they raised 692-thousand dollars during the Dream Home Lottery, which was split between 16 local charities.

  As for what the PRESIDENT of the Club does, Pedros says she acts mostly as a cheerleader for the other 17 members, who she relies on a lot.

  It's an exciting time for the Kin Club of Kingston, as they'll be hosting the National Convention in August.  

  If you're interested in becoming a Kin Club of Kingston member, they could always use more volunteers. Check them out at kincanada.ca

  And listen to Loreena Dickson's full interview with Trisha Pedros below.

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  It's Presidents Club Day here on 102.7 WOW FM. We're featuring Jaqueline Collier, President of Big Brothers Big Sisters KFL&A. 

  Big Brothers Big Sisters of KFL&A is making a big impact on local youth. The organization, which has served Canadian communities since 1912, provides life-changing mentoring experiences.

  Jacqueline Collier, president of the local chapter, says the program helps young people build confidence and reach their full potential. Across Canada, Big Brothers Big Sisters supports over 40,000 youth in 1,100 communities every year.

  Studies show that every dollar invested in its programs returns $18 to $23 to society through taxes, higher incomes, volunteerism and charitable giving.

  With mentorship at its core, the charity continues to shape future leaders in Kingston and beyond. 

  Those interested in volunteering or donating can visit bbbs.ca.

  To learn more or get involved, visit UnitedWayKFLA.ca

  Listen to our full interview here:

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  It's Presidents Club Day here on 102.7 WOW FM and today we're featuring John DiPaolo...President and CEO of the United Way Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington.

  The United Way KFL&A is more than just a fundraiser. DiPaolo says the organization works with over 54 agencies to support people in need across the region.

  DiPaolo, who has worked with the United Way for 15 years, says he is driven by a desire to build a better future for our youth and the community. “It’s incredibly rewarding to make a difference every day,” he said.

  One of its newest projects is the Portable Outreach Care Center (PORCH), a mobile unit that delivers healthcare and social services to rural and underserved areas. The United Way has also helped lower youth homelessness by partnering with local groups.

  A major initiative is the One Roof Youth Hub at Albert and Princess streets, which brings together 12 agencies under one roof. Home Base Housing is also building 38 supportive housing units on-site.

  To learn more or get involved, visit UnitedWayKFLA.ca

  Listen to our full interview here:

• 

  It's Presidents Club Day here on 102.7 WOW FM and today we're featuring Don Heath, President of the Rotary Club of Kingston.

  The Kingston Rotary Club is celebrating its 104th anniversary on April 1, continuing more than a century of service to the local community and beyond.

  Founded in 1921, the club has supported many projects, including raising over $500,000 in 2021 to mark its 100th anniversary. The funds helped sponsor 10 community initiatives.

  Club president Don Heath says he joined Rotary after retiring and moving to Kingston in 2008. He was inspired by the club’s work to eradicate polio and its focus on youth programs.

  Rotary has long-standing partnerships with organizations like RKY Children’s Camp and the Boys and Girls Club South East. It also runs leadership and mentorship programs for youth.

  Heath says Rotarians feel they give more than they get by helping their community.

  The club welcomes new members. More details are available at kingstonrotary.ca, where people can also join meetings via Zoom.

  Listen to our full interview here: