Founded in the USA in 1914 originally as the Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order Brothers. The name was changed to Kiwanis in 1916. The name appears to be based on an Ojibway word. It had an orientation to business and professional men and is now oriented to helping children. Until 1987 is was men only; now women make up about a quarter of the membership.
The first Canadian club was in Hamilton in 1916. Clubs were found only in the USA and Canada until 1962 when the organization expanded internationally.
There is a history book: Hapgood, L A – Dimensions of Service: the Kiwanis Story.
Click for a list of Clubs in Ontario
References:
http://www.kiwanis.org/