Toy Drive Results

On behalf of the Waterloo Knights of Columbus Council 5135, we would like to thank everyone who made our 13th annual “New Toys for Needy Kids” Toy Drive a success again this year. You helped bring Christmas to a number of needy families in the Waterloo Region.

Through the combined efforts of the Kitchener – Waterloo Fire Departments, Waterloo Regional Police, local groups, businesses, and individuals, 8,500 new toys were distributed in the Waterloo Region to needy children. Additionally, approximately $8,000 was donated by various groups or individuals with which toys were purchased.

Our corporate sponsors – CTV - Southwestern Ontario, Barber Collins Security and Domino’s Pizza provided media coverage and funds to cover administration costs. They are a vital part of our success and we appreciate their support.

There were over 50 volunteers (over 750 volunteer hours), including the Waterloo Fire Department who helped gather toys during the Lions Santa Claus Parade. There was not one member of the Knights of Columbus that was paid for their time. In fact, many incurred a variety of automobile expenses without any reimbursement. This generous donation of time and money allows us to keep our administrative cost to less than 2% of the value of toys we distribute.

Toys were distributed to Family and Children Services, St. Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, St. Monica House, The Christmas Bureau, Adopt a Family Programs, Mosaic Counselling and Family Services (formerly Catholic Family Counseling Centre), Anishnabeg Out Reach for aboriginal children and St. Aloysius Refugee Families plus a number of private families in need.

Again, thanks for helping us in this labour of love. 

In Memoriam

We remember in our prayers our Past Grand Knight Victor Diebolt who passed away October 29, 2009.

The Builder

Past Grand Knight Victor Diebolt

Vic was elected Grand Knight in June 1964 and served this council in that capacity for two years. It was during these two years as Grand Knight that Vic led the council in the activities, programs, and meetings that eventually culminated in the formation of the corporation which established the wonderful edifice, our own council chambers for the brother knights of Father Spetz Council 5135.

The long hours of discussion and planning with our own committees of building and finance and meetings with the architects, took much of Vic’s personal effort and time. We do not have sufficient space to list the number of times Vic took on things personally to ensure their completion on time. To be able to have accomplished so much by himself, Vic needed the help of his family and friends beside him. His good wife Donna and their four children, Tim, Lori, Erwin and Avery, must have wondered why Dad had to spend so much time at the Knights of Columbus. As is the case of so many KofC wives Donna understood the need of involvement of her husband in our Council and his pride in seeing his most cherished dream become a reality.

Vic was no longer Grand Knight when we moved into our new building, having been succeeded by Ray Busch. However, Vic did not drop out of the picture, as he became the first elected chairman of the Board of Directors of Waterloo Knights Incorporated and he remained as Chairman until May of 1968 when he resigned to become the proprietor and manager of the Commercial Hotel in Maryhill. Vic is now a member of Maryhill Council 6024, having transferred to that Council in 1968.

All of us in Father Spetz Council #5135 owe a great deal to this Past Grand Knight, the second Grand Knight of our Council, who really deserves the title of “The Builder” of our Council.

~ John Rodina, Past Grand Knight

Newsletter

The Waterloo Knights publish their newsletter "The Councillor" every two months. The newsletter contains information about past and upcoming events within the council. The print version is mailed to all council members.

Dec 2009-Jan 2010 Councillor Newsletter