History

Although the Winona Men’s Club is best known for serving peach sundaes at the Winona Peach Festival, many people are unaware of the 75+ year history of the Club and its impact to the betterment of Winona and surrounding communities over the years. In 2023 – after almost eight decades of steadfast service – the Winona Men’s Club was recognized by the Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce with its prestigious Community Recognition Award. This award celebrated three generations of selfless leadership. Thank you to the Chamber!

Let’s take a step back in time…

In 1946, a group of local men were discussing the concerns of their small community of Winona as it was recovering from the Second World War. They were troubled by the effects of the war, especially on the young people for whom many of their fathers had not returned. It was their strong belief that they should attempt to assist the youth in some manner, but it was also the feeling of the group that to do something worthwhile would require more manpower than just a few. Others in the community were approached and 44 men became the founding members of what was then called the “The Winona and District Men’s Club”.

In the 1950s, the Club negotiated the purchase of 12 acres of prime real estate on Barton Street, just west of Fifty Road which was then transformed into a park, which is now the home of the Winona Peach Festival.

Did you know: the Winona Men’s Club opened the first library in the community?! Years later, the branch amalgamated with another library and is now located in the old Stoney Creek City Hall at the corner of Jones Road and Highway 8.

Over the years, the Club held a summer-long celebration including the crowning of the Blossom Queen, Cavalcade of Blossoms and a Strawberry Social. In 1967 – led by the Winona Men’s Club – the community celebrated Canada’s 100th birthday with a parade, a carnival, and fireworks. The finale was billed the ‘Festival of Fruit.’ The Club was so pleased with the success of these celebrations that the Fruit Festival was moved to Winona Park. It was incorporated in 1967 as, you guessed it, the Winona Peach Festival.

But ours is a living history because the Club continues to serve the community in countless ways: not only do we run three popular booths at the Peach Festival, we donate over $50,000 a year to organizations that serve the needs of children and youth here at home.

The Winona Men’s Club has a very simple business model – “the community helps us raise money at the Winona Peach Festival and in turn, we donate the profits right back to the community.” In keeping with the values of the Club of “Helping youth and those in need within Winona and surrounding communities”, we look at the needs of the community and, by consensus, select priority areas where we can provide assistance.

In 2022, the members voted that hunger was at the top of the list, followed by those in need, student academics, youth activities and family/community activities.

A program called “We’re hungry to help people in Stoney Creek and Grimsby” was created by our Vice-President, John VanDuzer. Working with the Stoney Creek Community Food Bank and Grimsby Benevolent Fund, a matching gift program was created whereby for every dollar donated, the Winona Men’s Club would match it up to $40,000.

We allocated $15,000 to the Grimsby Benevolent Fund and $25,000 to the Stoney Creek Community Food Back. Additionally, we invested $10,000 in direct mail advertising to get the word out in Stoney Creek. John VanDuzer donated his creative services and managed the campaign for free. Not only did our initiative work, it helped raise a total of $168,000.

And as much as our Club name has the word “Men’s” in it, we have adopted a policy that encourages women and non-binary individuals to join and to become active members. And, yes, we are currently discussing a suitable name change to reflect our Club’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Meeting for dinner monthly, we present entertaining speakers and participate in lively conversation. Way better than networking, it’s making friends of our neighbours.

Every August, we roll up our sleeves and roll out the welcome mat, inviting people from far and wide to experience the best of what Winona has to offer. The Peach Festival is more than just food, it includes fellowship that leads to life-long friendships.

Whether you’re new here or just want to meet some of your neighbours, be sure to join the best Club in this or any other town!