By Isabelle Bujold, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Each spring, Memorial Park in Tilbury hosts hundreds of children as they hunt for colourful eggs. For more than 40 years, the Tilbury Kinsmen have brought Easter magic to the community—first in partnership with Phylis and the late Don McKenzie for 35 years, and independently for the past five.
On average, the Easter egg hunt draws hundreds of children, with peak years reaching up to 800 participants. In the week leading up to the big day, students from Tilbury Area Public School head to Memorial Park to help prepare the space by picking up sticks and garbage. Their efforts are rewarded with pizza, which was kindly donated this year by Domino’s.
Though the Tilbury Kinsmen sponsor the event in full, the support of the community plays a vital role. Donations from generous businesses, service clubs and individuals help fund the event, which costs roughly $5,000 annually and includes raffle prizes like bikes and other gifts.
“We wish to acknowledge our residents from Hudson Manor and their volunteers for packing our candy bags for the past 35 years,” said Tim Natyshak, co-chair of the Kinsmen.
“We enjoy our time with them and they love that they can be a part of our Easter egg hunt.”
This year alone, volunteers packed 4,500 candy bags.
With just 13 Kinsmen members, planning begins six weeks in advance. That’s when donation letters are sent, posters go up, the park is booked through the municipality and the call for volunteers goes out. By the time the event arrives, the volunteer team—which includes school kids, seniors and community members—totals around 50 to 60 people.
For Natyshak, his favourite moments include the thank-yous, the giant smiles and the sheer joy radiating from the children.
“The most memorable moment was the year we had 800 participants,” he said. “The park was buzzing and the kids were having a ball.”
Beyond Easter, the Tilbury Kinsmen stay active year-round. On May 31, they’ll host their second annual Cystic Fibrosis Golf Tournament at the Tilbury Golf Course, after raising more than $8,000 last year. In September, their End of Summer Bash brings free live music from local bands to the park behind the arena.
They also support community initiatives year-round—from running the adult beverage bar at Bluebirds hockey games to sponsoring soccer, bursaries and Canada Day fireworks in partnership with the BIA.
True to their motto, Serving the community’s greatest needs, the Kinsmen are a constant source of generosity in Tilbury.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our fellow service clubs in Tilbury who always support us in our projects, as we do with them,” said Natyshak.
Speaking on behalf of himself and co-chair Keith Edwards, Natyshak offered a heartfelt message to the community.
“Your support over the years means the world to us and to the families of our community,” he said.
