Featured Squadron of the Month

After the end of World War II in 1945, the building remained vacant for several years. In early 1950, it was used by the Army Militia and Army Cadets. By 1956, it was again vacant until 1958, when the Sydney Kinsmen Club acquired the building from the Department of National Defence for use by the Air Cadets.

With Flight Lieutenant J.R. Hannan as Commanding Officer and the Sydney Kinsmen Club serving as the Squadron Sponsoring Committee, the 676 Kinsmen Air Cadet Squadron was officially Chartered on July 3, 1958.

The Squadron initially consisted of 32 Cadets and seven officers and instructors. The Kinsmen Club continued its sponsorship until 1982, when a Parent Sponsoring Committee assumed the role. The Kinsmen Club then transitioned to a Corporate Sponsor.

In 1993, the Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SSC) became a registered non-profit charitable organization under the name 676 Kittyhawk Sponsoring Committee Society. This parent body now serves as the Squadron’s Board of Directors.

The SSC is the current titleholder to the 676 Squadron training facility. Having being constructed in 1941 it is a solid structure with a coloured history. It requires a significant injection of funds to keep the building bright, warm and safe for the Cadets. The SSC juggles a yearly operating budget that covers the cost of building maintenance, land lease, janitorial and garbage, administrative requirements and a variety of programs not funded by the Department of National Defense. Some of these programs are: Familiarization Flying, Range Program, Biathlon, Military Band Program, and Orienteering. The SSC also funds and hosts several banquets and similar events throughout the Cadet year. Securing sufficient funds is realized through Community partnerships with local Service groups and significant fundraising. As fundraising is the most important source of revenue for the SSC, a high level of parental involvement is emphasized. Parents are asked to commit to volunteering 20 hours per family per year.