Chairman: Gary Tilyou

Helping Hands – In the spirit of our founder, Blessed Michael J. McGivney, councils lead efforts to assist those most in need. Guidelines for this program are broad and can include forming partnerships with local aid organizations or independently planning unique activities.

Coats for Kids – Councils across North America can purchase new winter coats at a discount to be distributed to the children in need in their local communities.

Global Wheelchair Mission – The Knights of Columbus has been partners with the American Wheelchair Mission since 2003 and Canadian Wheelchair Foundation since 2006, under the umbrella of the Global Wheelchair Mission. This initiative provides aid to those who lack the freedom of mobility in our communities and around the world. Whether councils are presenting wheelchairs to local veterans and neighbors in need or donating funds to benefit those abroad, mobility brings with it independence and dignity. Obtained at discounted prices, these wheelchairs change the lives of their recipients. Working with the Global Wheelchair Mission is a perfect opportunity to put your faith into action and involve the entire community in the rewarding charitable work done by your council.

Habitat for Humanity – Knights of Columbus councils work closely with Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit Christian organization, to build homes with families in need at substantially reduced costs. Each year, councils throughout the Order donate a considerable number of volunteer hours and dollars to this worthy cause.

Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest – This contest encourages today’s youth to be more connected to their community and their faith. The goal of this program is to involve young Catholics in grades 8 to 12 (public, private, parochial or home schools during the current school year) in civic discourse and instill in them religious and life-affirming values. The essay should is on a specific topic, changing every other year. Entrants will be judged on grammar, style, and how clearly they present the theme in a way that showcases creativity, imagination and overall development of the topic.

Disaster Preparedness – Local Councils help prepare their communities before disaster strikes. Councils engage their parish and community in disaster preparedness exercises by organizing trainings, fundraisers and awareness activities. As community leaders, Knights help ensure that their members, families and parish communities are prepared through a campaign promoting planning and education. This program motivates councils to take a holistic approach to emergency situations by readiness in times of crisis, assessing response capabilities, and learning how to properly respond well ahead of a disaster.
Councils also raise funds and teach in anticipation of larger efforts to assist brothers in need.

Free Throw Championship – Since 1972, councils have sponsored the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship for boys and girls from the ages of 9 to 14 to provide an athletic outlet and encourage the values of sportsmanship and healthy competition. Kids compete within their own gender and age and progress from local level to district, regional and state/province competitions. This program also serves to introduce the Order to our community and recruit faithful family men of service.

Soccer Challenge – Through the Soccer Challenge, our Council engages our community with an athletic event for youth that encourages the values of sportsmanship and healthy competition. Children demonstrate the most important skill in soccer – shooting accuracy on the penalty kick – and compete to reach the international level of competition. The program is also a way to introduce the Order to our community and recruit faithful family men of service.