At the CanAm Fall Rally, Key Clubs come together annually to encourage one another and share projects or stories that propel them into the new service year.
The tradition started 14 years ago, when a U.S. lieutenant governor and the lieutenant governor of Division 8/9/10 of the Eastern Canada District met at the Key Club International convention. After bonding, they jointly created the CanAm rally to build international relationships and foster connections like theirs.
This year, New York District Division 24 Lieutenant Governor Faith Schulz and Eastern Canada District Division 8/9/10 Lieutenant Governor Magela McMullin planned the rally with a uniting theme: “Show your K.” Already a popular theme during Key Club Week, the slogan invites members to wear Key Club gear to show their club pride.
About 75 Key Club members from the U.S. and Canada showed up for the event at Sir Robert Borden High School in Ottawa, Canada. Including advisors, Kiwanians and parents, the event drew nearly 100 attendees.
Sessions and donations
The CanAm Rally featured informational speakers — including current Key Club leaders — and workshops. The first workshop was self-led: Participants were tasked with writing affirmations surrounding the upcoming school year, and the affirmations were then placed on a tree so the students could visually see their goals in one place.
The second workshop was led jointly by Schulz and McMullin, who talked about time management, the balance of school with work and life, and strategies for managing stress. Participants then brainstormed ways to implement some of the strategies discussed.
By donating canned foods, hygiene products and monetary gifts — or collecting donations and bringing them to the event — attendees also supported the Ottawa Food Bank and Chrysalis House.
Bringing an event like this to life requires months of collaboration. Schulz and McMullin met frequently — with Schulz outlining what needed to be done and the two of them together reviewing progress, divvying up responsibilities and then checking in regularly. They also met with their Key Club advisors to discuss how local Kiwanis clubs could get involved.
The governors agreed on how inspiring and impactful it was to see the rally come together. The entire goal was to show Key Club members the true reach and impact of their service. They credited their success to constant communication, organizational skills and support — from advisors, Kiwanis members and each other.
For the governors, seeing these connections come to life serves as a constant reminder of why the CanAm Fall Rally continues to be a meaningful celebration of collaboration and service.