The New Canaan chapter of the National Exchange Club was chartered in 1952, and has since then been an integral organization in the community. “Our members’ represent a wide range of professions, most of whom remain active in their careers while others have retired but remain active in the pursuit of the Club’s service projects and fundraising activities,” states the organization’s website. The holiday season is one of their busiest, involving fund-raisers, outings, and events.
The Exchange Club of New Canaan shares a mission- “To “exchange” our time and talent through programs of service to our 4 pillars: Americanism, Community Service, Youth Activities, and our National Project The Prevention of Child Abuse,”. Through events, fundraisers, and participation in community events, Exchange Club members are dedicated to serving the local community. With a dedicated team of members and leaders including current President John Doherty, President-Elect Rich Kurth, and a board of directors, the organization serves and supports people in many ways.
The holiday season is one of the most important for the Exchange Club as they host events and sell Christmas trees and wreaths to fundraise for the year ahead. On December 13, the Exchange Club held their annual holiday party and lunch for seniors at the Lapham Community Center. The organization has sponsored the celebration for more than 60 years, and handles all of the moving pieces of the event including food, goodie bags, and a visit with Santa Claus. This year, sixteen exchange club members volunteered to serve lunch to 89 seniors and 10 town leaders. Aggie Aspinwall, director of the Lapham Center explained that, “There’s a lot of organization required to make everything run smoothly and they (Exchange Club members) always do it well and with a smile.” The event celebrated the comradery and service that the organization is known for.
As this year’s tree sale wraps up, the Exchange Club proudly announced that, not only have they kept prices the same throughout the past two years, but they raised lots of money that will then go towards the group assisting organizations throughout the next year; “The incredible support we had made our fundraising an incredible success this year as it has for over fifty years,” wrote one member. This year, the organization netted $100,000, which will go 100% to local not-for-profit and community organizations. Sales included over 1,200 trees and close to 1,300 wreaths in addition to assorted lights, tree stands and roping.
Members of the Exchange Club of New Canaan donate hundreds of hours of service as well as working alongside and collaborating with numerous individuals and service organizations in New Canaan. Aggie reflected on the great work that the group does every holiday season; “It’s a busy time of the year for everyone so we are truly grateful to those people who take time from their busy schedules to make sure someone else gets to enjoy the holidays,”. The group extends special thanks and recognition to the Service League of Boys, Pivot Ministries, New Canaan Recreation Department, the Lapham Community Center, former First Selectman and Exchange Club Member, Kevin Moynihan, and Exchange Club neighbor and friend, Betty Lovastik.
Following the tree sale, in partnership with Planet New Canaan, the Exchange Club will be holding a “tree-cycle” collection program. Beginning December 30, residents can drop off Christmas trees in the Steve Benko Pool Parking Lot from 9 AM- 3 PM. The collection will run through January 8th, giving people an eco-friendly way to dispose of Christmas trees following the holiday season.
The Exchange Club of New Canaan’s next major fundraiser is the Golf Outing, held in early October. More information on the group and their upcoming events and fundraisers can be found on their website, newcanaanexchangeclub.com.
