Teachers in Martensville and Warman who have an idea for their classroom but lack the resources to make it happen are once again getting a helping hand from two local service clubs.
The Martensville & District Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs have opened applications for their Teachers Fund, a joint initiative that provides financial assistance to educators for classroom materials, equipment, activities and other projects that benefit students.
For Martensville & District Kinettes Service Director and founding President Jodi Martens-Bergman, the motivation behind the fund was simple: teachers are often spending their own money to give students opportunities they otherwise might not have.
“We’re aware of the lack of funding from the school districts and the lack of resources that the teachers have, and how much money they’re putting out of their own pockets,” Martens-Bergman said. “We didn’t think that was fair.”
Through the fund, teachers can apply for up to $450 per request, with applications open to educators from kindergarten through high school in both Martensville and Warman.
The Teachers Fund was launched last year and quickly demonstrated just how much demand exists for additional classroom resources, as Martens-Bergman estimated that approximately 30 requests were funded during the program’s first year, with approximately $10,000 distributed to teachers.
Those requests covered everything from books and sensory tools to gym equipment and creative classroom projects.
The Teachers Fund is jointly supported by the Martensville & District Kinsmen and Kinettes, with each club contributing $5,000 toward the initiative this year. Money raised through the Kinettes’ annual Ladies Night fundraiser helped finance their portion of the fund.
The project fits directly with the clubs’ focus on “serving the community’s greatest needs.”
For particularly large requests that fall outside what the Teachers Fund can accommodate, Martens-Bergman said some educators have also approached the Kinsmen directly, with the club providing funding for larger-ticket projects.
Even more money will be available to teachers this year thanks to additional donations from members of the community.
Local businesses and community members interested in supporting the initiative are welcome to reach out to the clubs, as additional support is always welcome. Applications are currently open and there is no set application deadline. Teachers can continue submitting requests throughout the school year until the available funding has been distributed.
The Kinsmen and Kinettes hope to continue offering the Teachers Fund annually, provided they can continue raising enough money to support it.
“Keep supporting the Kinettes’ events so that we can continue to keep the fund alive,” Martens-Bergman said. “As long as we can keep the money coming in, we will continue to support our local teachers.”
Teachers interested in applying for funding can complete the Teachers Fund application form here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAenL7F7UVWV4Cw7C62H9ysWLnBM86f4NJUO9wav3r1ZGuFQ/viewform.
New Members Always Welcome at Local Kinette Club
The Martensville & District Kinettes are kicking off another year with their first meeting being held on Tuesday, September 15th, upstairs in the old Martensville Arena. The club, which was chartered in 2019, currently has approximately 15 members and remains active in a variety of volunteer projects, fundraisers and community initiatives throughout the year.
For those interested in joining, Service Director and founding President Jodi Martens-Bergman said the commitment is flexible. “Honestly, it’s whatever you want to make it for yourself. You can do as much or as little,” she said. The club meets once a month and encourages members to participate in at least one event throughout the year. Anyone interested in learning more can attend the upcoming meeting, message the club through social media or email martensvillekinettes@gmail.com
