mel-osborne-medalionThe Kiwanis Foundation of Canada Inc., resulted from a challenge made to Kiwanis Canada by Past International Vice President Mel Osborne of the East York (Toronto) Kiwanis Club. Mel was sure that a National foundation would unite, strengthen Kiwanis and increase membership in all of Canada.

Mel had served with distinction as a Governor of the Ontario-Quebec-Maritime District in 1953, International Trustee from 1960-64 and as International Vice-President during 1964-65. Early in 1965, Mel suffered a heart attack and retired from the International board. In 1966, he was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Kiwanis International Foundation where he served until 1970.

Mel’s experience on the International Foundation Board persuaded him to recommend that Kiwanis Clubs in Canada should form a Canadian Foundation to promote the work of Kiwanis on a national scale in Canada. Kiwanians supported the plan and it was approved.

Mel called upon a number of distinguished Kiwanians to assist him in the formation of the Canadian Foundation. Past Governors and International Officers from across Canada, including Ralph D. Steele, QC; Clifford P. Wyman; Laurent Girouard; Jack P. Delf, Jack E. Willis; and Walter H. Howell, QC played key roles.

The Government of Canada granted the Charter for the Kiwanis Foundation of Canada Incorporated on the 27th,of July 1973.

THE MEL OSBORNE FELLOWSHIP

The Kiwanis Foundation of Canada has created an award, this award honours one of the founders. The fellowship consists of Kiwanians and others who have contributed to the growth and work of Kiwanis. Their service and dedication is remembered and honoured by their being named to this prestigious society. The Foundation sends a special scroll honouring their contribution and the uniquely designed medallion.

Following below are The Kiwanis Club of Guelph Mel Osborne award recipients:

Recipient’s NameYearNotes
Alf Hales1991
Gib MacIntyre1991
Jim Ross1992
John Council1994Mayor, City of Guelph
Marino Gazzola1994Guelph Police Service, VIP representative
Charlie Hunter1994OPP officer, VIP representative
Wally Slatter1994Posthumously
Ron Brandon1995
Mike Steffler1995
Nick Kaethler1995
Earl Brimblecombe1995presented by Royal City Kiwanis
Mike MacIntyre1996
Lee Villar1997
Stan Weiler1997
Darlene Caron1998presented by E C & C District
Fred Hoffman1998
Doug Sloan1998
Peter Anderson2000
June Kaethler2000presented by Royal City Kiwanis
Wayne Mizen2000
Andy Watson2000
Ross McKinnell2001presented by Royal City Kiwanis
Steve Bond2003presented by Royal City Kiwanis
Fred Moyer2004
John Scollard2005
Larry Smith2005
Peter Mercer2005presented by Royal City Kiwanis
Patty Carkner2015
Ken Catteau2015
Larry Townsend2015
Chris Bisson2016
Ian Shipp2016