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»LTBK Donkin Outcomes »LTBK Playground/Park Project »LTBK Donkin Funding Partners
»LTBK Donkin Financial Contributors »About Donkin »More Information
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The Let Them Be Kids Initiative is a first of its kind. This nation-wide program helps communities build capacity and community involvement amongst citizens, while also building playgrounds in areas of need, laying a strong foundation for a brighter tomorrow for all.
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LTBK Donkin Outcomes (Back to TOP)
The Donkin Port Caledonia Rural Development Association and membership identify the desired outcomes from our community project.
- To create a safe fun filled recreational area for children and their families in the community and district
- To empower and reinforce community capacity building at the grass roots level
- Promote health and wellness of our citizens living in a rural community
- Create ongoing opportunities with associates for future development
LTBK Playground/Park Project (Back to TOP)
The community of Donkin identified the necessity of a playground to provide a safe play area for the children of the community and to encourage fitness and fun. The benefit of the playground location would serve the needs of the children at the local school. The school and parent teacher group made every attempt to replace their aged playground equipment. At present the Donkin ball field is the only outdoor recreational facility in the area.
The Donkin Port Caledonia Rural Development Association committed to fundraise for the purchase of a play structure and various pieces of independent play equipment. The association gathered community input and consulted the children regarding selection. Site improvements will be made with the idea of landscaping and installation of site furnishings in phase two of the same project. To promote security, a surveillance camera is being considered.
A fundraising committee was organized that sponsored ticket sales of lobsters and crafts that were donated by residents. They held book sales; bake sales, penny sales, a flea market, children's dances and monthly 50/50 draws. Church groups and community organizations coordinated events and generously donated the proceeds to the project. Many individuals made donations and volunteered their time for fundraisers.
In support of the project, partnerships were formed and financial assistance was provided by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, the Nova Scotia Sports and Recreation Commission / Office of Health Promotion and the Community Health Board (East Division).
The community of Donkin is a fortunate recipient of the Let Them Be Kids Helping Hands Program.
To all those who donated, volunteered, supported the community or made financial contributions in a collaborated effort to make this project a success, we sincerely "THANK YOU". Your generosity makes a possibility become a reality.
LTBK Donkin Funding Partners (Back to TOP)
We thank our LTBK Donkin funding partners for their unselfish support of this effort to make our community a better place.
LTBK Donkin Financial Contributors (Back to TOP)
We thank our LTBK Donkin financial contributors for their unselfish support of this effort to make our community a better place.
About Donkin, Nova Scotia (Back to TOP)
The rural communities of Donkin, Port Caledonia and Schooner Pond are located on the picturesque coastline of Cape Breton Island. They form part of the famous Marconi Trail bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Donkin is situated eleven kilometers from the town of Glace Bay and thirty-two kilometers from the city of Sydney. The population is approximately 1100. These communities are part of a larger municipal area that is defined as District Two under the Cape Breton Regional Municipality governed by a sixteen-member council and a mayor.
The economic base of our community in Donkin largely depends on our natural resources, which now relies on the fishery and the anticipated opening of a new coal mine located in Schooner Pond. There are two fish processing plants within our municipality. Other residents travel to the urban areas where there is a wider range of employment.
Donkin has an elementary - junior high school for grades primary to nine. Students travel eleven kilometers to the Glace Bay High School for grades ten to twelve. The Donkin School is a modern, spacious facility with small class sizes, emphasizing the student/teacher ratio. The school hosts two clubs: the Sea Cadets and the Donkin Police Boys & Girls Club. Community groups often utilize the schools facilities for suppers, tea and sales and other fundraising events.
Three churches serve our communities: St. Lukes United, St. Lukes Anglican and St. Gregory's Roman Catholic Church. St. Luke's United has an active Sunday school for the children. On a community level we support each other.
Our communities are served and supported by the Donkin and Morien Volunteer Fire Departments who are faithful to serve when there is a fire, storm or whenever there is need. There is a Royal Canadian Legion, Branch Five, in Donkin, which is one of the oldest branches in Canada and sponsor of a prize and scholarship fund for the Donkin and Glace Bay High Schools. The legion hosts a community Remembrance Day Service each year on 11 November whereby all community groups and organizations participate. The parade is lead by the Donkin Citizens Brass Band. In December the legion sponsors a children's Christmas visit with Santa. The Donkin Volunteer Fire Department delivers Santa in fine style using the fire truck announcing his arrival. Donkin has a Senior Citizen's Complex and a band hall that belongs to the famous Donkin Citizen's Brass Band dating back to 1919.
Donkin is a Block Parent Community and is patrolled by the CBRM police. Arrangements are being made to implement a Neighborhood Watch Program.
Our region is unique in that our communities and members help to take care of one another and are very family oriented. In comparison to other areas we travel a small distance for shopping and services but are compensated by the quiet lifestyle, community awareness and lower tax rate.
In the short term there are signs of our economy improving with the proposed opening of the Xstrata Coal Donkin Alliance Mine. Advances are being made toward renewable energy in the Port Caledonia area with the installation of a modern wind turbine. A call center in Glace Bay has relieved some of the economic pressure. The Cape Breton University offers economic growth with its new programs and technology. Last year the Island of Cape Breton was recognized by Travel and Leisure Magazine as the fourth best island in the world to visit.
Labatt Vince Ryan Tournament
The Labatt Vince Ryan Tournament originated in 1989 to pay tribute to a man who had a vision of youth and their contribution to their communities. As a result, proceeds of the tournament go to scholarships for local youth.
John Vincent Ryan played his first hockey on ponds and outdoor rinks around his native community of Donkin, Cape Breton. During this time, he developed the traits which were later to establish him as one of the Maritimes most prolific scorers.
His short stocky build, balance and agility, were part of the reason he was such a gifted athlete. This, together with his competitive nature, made him a natural leader. Vince began playing organized hockey in the late 1940's and led Donkin-based teams in the Midget and Juvenile categories to local and maritime championships. In 1951, he joined the Glace Bay Junior Miners to play in the highly respected Cape Breton Junior league. He scored his 200th senior career goal in 1962-63 and is believed to be the third highest scorer in the Maritime Senior Hockey league.
Royal Canadian Legion - Donkin Branch #5
Donkin Branch #5 is one of the oldest in Nova Scotia. It was originally known as Dominion No. 6 Branch No. 5 of the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League. Its Charter is dated June 23, 1917. The Branch received permission to change its name to Donkin Branch No. 5 N.S. on May 29, 1945. The original building was part of the Dominion #6 Colliery, which ceased to function in 1900. Additions and changes were made throughout the years with a complete renovation in 1976.
The Cenotaph was originally next to the Donkin Elementary School (now the Fire Hall) and was moved in June, 1968 to its present site where a memorial service is held each Remembrance Day. On the 1st Sunday in June, Branch Members have gathered for Decoration Day to honor fallen comrades. In June, 2005, a candlelight service for Decoration Day was held involving the entire community. As a result of receiving such great support, an annual candlelight service for Decoration Day is now held.
A Ladies' Auxiliary consisting of members' wives is a great asset, and they work very hard to raise funds to contribute to the Branch.
The Branch has always taken an active part in all community efforts. Over the years they have sponsored Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, sports, and still sponsor the Cape Perce Sea Cadets. First President of the Branch was Robert Rector, 1927 - 29 (with 22 Presidents following), to the current President, Wayne Milley.
The Meritorious Service Medal is the highest award granted to Life, Ordinary, Association or Affiliate voting members. Proudly, seven Branch #5 members have been honored with this Medal: Henry Baxter, Wilfred Edmond, Angus MacDougall, Fraser MacQueen, Victor Morford, Albert Snow and Jim Snow.
Donkin Volunteer Fire Department
The Donkin Volunteer Fire Department began in 1903 when Dominion No. 6 Colliery opened. A power plant and large reservoir provided a water system for the colliery and employee homes. Many buildings existed in the "pit yard" (location of present ball field). Located on site was the fireman's parlor. When the whistle sounded, the doors of the fire hall opened and two hand drawn, hose and wheel, fire apparatus with a long rope attached would be hauled to the nearest hydrant. The custom of using No. 6 fire equipment continued until the colliery closed in 1925. After war broke out in 1939, the Air Raid Precaution (ARP) placed 1st aid equipment, respirators, and two hand drawn hoses and wheel machines in the district and other locations in the province. In 1950, the fire department reorganized, and a heavy duty Dodge truck and chassis was purchased. A 500 gallon water tank and a front-end pumper were installed, along with a hose, nozzles, siren, and valves, which were all new equipment. David MacLeod, former councillor and local historian, was instrumental in getting equipment for the Department after the war in 1945. In 1977, the Donkin School was converted to a fire hall.
An important advancement was the introduction of the 911 system, which came into being in 1997. Prior to that, a siren in the community would sound different intervals to indicate where a fire was located.
Chief Bruce Howie has been in the Department for 30 years and has been Chief for the last 10. Calvin Brann, honourary member, joined the department in 1953, and is the longest serving member and a past Chief. The longest active member is Jack Griffin, with approximately 33 years.
Presently there are 36 volunteer firemen and 12 Honorary Members. Equipment consists of three trucks (750 gallon and 1000 gallon pumper trucks, a salvage truck, and first aid, medical and ice rescue equipment). Level 1 fire training is provided within the municipality. An educational component now exists and during Fire Prevention Week, firemen go to the school to educate children about fire prevention and what to do in a fire. In addition, a Ladies' Auxiliary is in the process of forming.
Over the years the Fire Dept. has certainly proven itself and we are very fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers whose main concern continues to be the safety of our residents and communities. Thank you for contributing so unselfishly of your time.
Donkin Citizens' Brass Band
The Donkin Citizens' Brass Band had its start July 22, 1919, when a group of five men on the corner of South and West Streets, discussing music, decided to organize a band. Under the leadership of Michael MacDonald, its first public appearance was on Christmas Day, 1919, on the Schooner Pond Dam (with 17 brass instruments). Band practice began in the "Firemen's Parlour", then when a larger space was needed, moved to a school classroom, then on to the U.M.W.of A, Local hall. Finally, at the request of the Band, the Dominion Coal Company erected a hall at its present site on coal company land. Finally with a hall of their own, the Band developed into a reputable musical organization known throughout the length and breadth of this country. This was just the start of a long and illustrious career. Over the years, there have been numerous awards (1st prize of the "Silver Cup" at Sydney Musical Festival, and went on to win the Cup 5 times; 2nd prize at the Toronto C.N.E. in 1954). They have played at Toronto City Hall where the Mayor gave them an official welcome to the city, and received a bouquet from Niagara Falls City Council. In 1939, they played before King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in New Glasgow and in 1954 before Princess Elizabeth (now our Queen) at the Canadian National Exhibition. The Band played in Louisbourg during Bicentenary celebrations in 1958, numerous Apple Blossom Festivals in the Valley, were in the movie the "Bay Boy", and continue to play at Veteran's Day celebrations, Cape Pearce Sea Cadet Corps Annual Inspections, William Hunter Sr. Memorial Road Race, Donkin Volunteer Fire Department's Christmas Tree Light Up and many more events. Pleasure has been expressed by many who have listened to the Band and this has brought joy to the hearts of the bandsmen. For the 87 years the Band has been in existence, and, although many members have passed on, their spirit, the heart and soul of the Donkin Citizens' Brass Band, remains as strong as ever. We have been very fortunate, indeed, to have such a wonderful tradition in our community and it is our wish that it "go on forever".
Cape Perce Sea Cadets
In March, 1981, the Donkin-Morien Branch of the Navy League of Canada was established with the cooperation of the Community Sponsors, Branch #5 Donkin and Branch #55 Port Morien Royal Canadian Legion, followed by the formation of RCSCC #278 in July of that year. The original Officers of #278 were Commanding Officer, Ivan Smith; Training Officer, Jack Griffin; Administrative Officer, Jim Snow; Assistant Administrative Officer, Norma Peach and Supply Officer, Ken Reid.
In 1981, the President of Cape Breton Division, Navy League of Canada was Calvin Hillier, followed by Ken Andrews, Dan Hansen, Calvin Hillier, Jim Snow and Lou Shaheen.
The First Branch President was Ken Andrews followed by Chris Burke, Sr., Lou Shaheen, Kelly MacDonald and Lois MacDougall.
Since formation, the Corps has three Commanding Officers - Lt(N) Ivan Smith; Lt(N) Joan MacLean and LT(N) Jack Griffin. 362 Cadets have been enrolled at the Corps and nine have returned as CIC Officers.
Presently, there are 22 Cape Perce Sea Cadets (male and female) who take part in a wide variety of events such as: Battle of the Atlantic Sunday; Merchant Mariners Day; Legion Poppy Distribution and Remembrance Day Services at the School and Br. 005 and Br. 55. Training includes sail training; outdoor adventure training and summer camps at Cornwallis, N.S. Cadets take part in rifle, drill, seamanship, first aid, volleyball, basketball and public speaking competitions. They are community minded in that with proceeds from their Canteen each week they have participated in "Adopt a Family" at Christmas, purchasing gifts for a needy family. They conduct bottle drives and take part in Caring for Canada Community Cleanup. They also get to take part in some great recreation time such as SCUBA diving and skiing during March Break.
Becoming a Sea Cadet is not only a rewarding experience, but it teaches such great life lessons and helps immensely in producing responsible, caring, goal oriented citizens for the future. We are very fortunate to have such an organization in our community and thanks go out to all those who volunteer their time so unselfishly.
Sea Cadets will resume in September. Youth ages 12 + are encouraged to give serious consideration to this extremely worthwhile organization. Congratulations to Cape Perce Sea Cadets on its 25th anniversary this year, which was celebrated with the
Annual Ceremonial Review and a Dinner.
More Information About Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia (Back to TOP)
National Geographic: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/destinations/Cape_Breton/
Canadian Geographic: http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/snapshots/cape_breton/
Destination Cape Breton: http://www.cbisland.com/index.php
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Breton_Island
Travel and Leisure Magazine: http://www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest/
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