In 1912, Sertoma International was started in Kansas City Missouri by three doctors who could not get into Rotary because the classification for doctors was filled.
The original name was the Stand Together Club, and then it was changed to Co-Operators Club. Because their focus was “Service To Mankind” they coined the name Sertoma from that phrase.
The first club chartered in Canada was in Windsor in 1946.
Sertoma has clubs in USA, Canada and Mexico with approximate membership of 20,000 in 650 clubs.
K-W Sertoma is in the Canada District which is the Allegheny/Canada Region.
History of K-W Sertoma Club
The Kitchener Waterloo Sertoma Club was chartered in 1961.
The K.W. Sertoma Speed Skating Club is formed in 1962 – Their focus is to develop International-calibre Speed Skaters. They also provide Service to Mankind to the Youth and Handicapped with their Learn to Skate program and the training of the Special Olympic skaters.
In the late 1960’s K-W Sertoma began their Christmas Miracle Program and annually put smiles on over 300 less fortunate children in our community.
K-W Sertoma began working with the Canadian Hearing Society in the 1970’s, helping to improve the quality life for those with hearing disorders by supporting learning programs.
In 1982 the K-W Sertoma Club built the Twin City Sertoma Club and in 1987 the Twin City Sertoma Club and Trinity United Church formed Kitchener Alliance Community Homes. This private, non-profit housing corporation built five complexes with the total of 194 units. They were managed by a board of directors from Twin City Sertoma and Trinity United.
1989 K-W LaSertoma, K-W Sertoma and Twin City Sertoma formed a Foundation to purchase two homes for offices of the Canadian Hearing Society and the Child Witness Center. The houses were sold and the funds raised were invested and annual donations are being made to the Canadian Hearing Society and The Child Witness Center.
In 1990 The K-W Sertoma Club began supporting The Waterloo Regional Swim Club. We are proud of how they help develop our youth into responsible citizens and develop high calibre synchronized swimmers.
Through the years several sports organizations, individuals with special needs and the Out of the Cold programs were supported by fundraising efforts.
Canada District
In Canada District there are five clubs: 2 in Windsor, 1 in Chatham, 1 in Thamesville and 1 in Kitchener.
In the Canada District, The Sertoma foundation of Canada supports the work of The Canadian Hearing Society and club programs to benefit the Hearing Impaired.
The Canada District is run by a Governor with a Secretary and a Treasurer.
Sertoma of Canada Inc., is a not for profit corporation from which we promote membership growth in Canada. The money in this Foundation was raised by Sertoman’s purchasing a Life Membership and the funds invested.
Club Membership Growth, Recruiting and Mentor Rewards Programs are funded by Sertoma of Canada Inc.
We take great pride in our club’s contributions to the community and to the number of people we help.