TIMMINS -- The City of Timmins was one of many communities across the Canada raising the Kin Canada flag at daybreak on Thursday in honour of the service group's 100th anniversary.

Timmins Mayor George Pirie proclaimed February 16 to 22 as Kin Canada Week, and to launch the organization's local anniversary celebrations.

Past national president for the organization Erin Thomson says Kin Clubs have been the driving force behind many local legacy projects and collectively throughout the nation.

"Over the past 100 years Kin Canada has raised over 100 billion dollars for our communities," said Thomson. "Last year, we raised $1.2 million in Kin Canada in one year. That is a big deal for Canadians, when you consider all of that money is going directly back into communities."