As many of you know, our 98th Kiwanis International Convention was held just a few short weeks ago in Vancouver. Let me tell you, this was truly an incredible experience! This was my 3rd International Convention and each time I go to these things it is just a reminder of how powerful Kiwanis truly is!
As you look at the pictures below you will see the top two pictures, both relating to our International Project, which we have come to know as Eliminate. Most of us know what Eliminate is, but for those who are not sure, I will give a quick overview. Each day babies are born around the world with something called maternal/neonatal tetanus (MNT). This is an extremely and painful disease that only has about a 9 day survival rate. For the first nine days of the baby's life they are in constant pain and their mothers' cannot do anything, especially since holding them just makes the pain even worse. After about 9 days the baby tragically passes away from this terrible disease. This is why Kiwanis International is working with Unicef to eradicate this deadly disease. The vaccines are a 3 series shot that the mothers and babies receive, each set of vaccines costs about $1.80. So far Kiwanis and Unicef have managed to raise over $30 million get rid of this disease in all but 3 countries around the world. By Kiwanis' 100th anniversary in 2015, the organization plans to raise $110 million and protect 61 million lives, while completely eliminating this disease worldwide!
Now you are probably asking yourselves what the Olympic Torch has to do with Eliminate? During the International Convention there was a 5k walk to raise money for the Eliminate project. During this time, many Kiwanians from all over the world got up early to be at the convention center by 7am when the walk started. At this time they announced that the infamous torch would be lit just in honor of Kiwanis and their efforts to "burn out" MNT. It is said that the torch is not lit very often at all, only for extremely special and/or important events. This was definitely a powerful and moving event for Kiwanians all around the world!
Not only is Kiwanis known for their many projects, but they are also known for the life long friendships the members form. The picture in the bottom left hand corner is just one of the many Kiwanis family dinner nights we got to enjoy while being at the convention. From left to right we have: Tom Pace (Easter Kiwanis, New Albany Kiwanis Club, and 10S lieutenant governor), Steve Helba (Westerville club and 10E lieutenant governor), Travis Humphry (Circleville club), Sarah Pace (Eastern Kiwanis of Columbus and New Albany club). Linda Pace (Eastern Kiwanis and New Albany club), Anne Walker, and Frank Walker (Gahanna Kiwanis Club and division 10S secretary). Not only at dinner time, but just about anytime throughout the day during the week of convention, you can usually find a fellow Kiwanian or two to grab a bite, get a cup of coffee, or just sit down and talk to. In my opinion, Kiwanians are some of the nicest people you will ever meet! Ok.. Maybe I'm just a little bias.. But shhh I won't tell if you don't!
Finally, in the bottom right hand corner is a behind the scenes sneak peek of the large delegate session where all the important decision of Kiwanis International are made. As a Kiwanian attending the International Convention, you have the opportunity to be as involved or uninvolved in the convention as you would like. Since this was my 3rd International Convention, I decided to take part in the Sergent at Arms (SAA) role. By doing this job, I was able to assist with as many or as few tasks as I wanted. As this was my first year and I was still a little confused on what was going on, I focused most of my energy on the delegate session. I got to go in early, familiarize myself with the seating areas, and then direct delegates to their seats. In doing this I met so many amazing people; not only fellow SAA's, but also delegates and fellow Kiwanians.
These are just a few of the many, many things that make Kiwanis such a powerful organization and make it so much fun to be a part of! What are you waiting for? Picture yourself in Kiwanis, attend a meeting soon, and start creating your own picture perfect moments!
As you look at the pictures below you will see the top two pictures, both relating to our International Project, which we have come to know as Eliminate. Most of us know what Eliminate is, but for those who are not sure, I will give a quick overview. Each day babies are born around the world with something called maternal/neonatal tetanus (MNT). This is an extremely and painful disease that only has about a 9 day survival rate. For the first nine days of the baby's life they are in constant pain and their mothers' cannot do anything, especially since holding them just makes the pain even worse. After about 9 days the baby tragically passes away from this terrible disease. This is why Kiwanis International is working with Unicef to eradicate this deadly disease. The vaccines are a 3 series shot that the mothers and babies receive, each set of vaccines costs about $1.80. So far Kiwanis and Unicef have managed to raise over $30 million get rid of this disease in all but 3 countries around the world. By Kiwanis' 100th anniversary in 2015, the organization plans to raise $110 million and protect 61 million lives, while completely eliminating this disease worldwide!
Now you are probably asking yourselves what the Olympic Torch has to do with Eliminate? During the International Convention there was a 5k walk to raise money for the Eliminate project. During this time, many Kiwanians from all over the world got up early to be at the convention center by 7am when the walk started. At this time they announced that the infamous torch would be lit just in honor of Kiwanis and their efforts to "burn out" MNT. It is said that the torch is not lit very often at all, only for extremely special and/or important events. This was definitely a powerful and moving event for Kiwanians all around the world!
Not only is Kiwanis known for their many projects, but they are also known for the life long friendships the members form. The picture in the bottom left hand corner is just one of the many Kiwanis family dinner nights we got to enjoy while being at the convention. From left to right we have: Tom Pace (Easter Kiwanis, New Albany Kiwanis Club, and 10S lieutenant governor), Steve Helba (Westerville club and 10E lieutenant governor), Travis Humphry (Circleville club), Sarah Pace (Eastern Kiwanis of Columbus and New Albany club). Linda Pace (Eastern Kiwanis and New Albany club), Anne Walker, and Frank Walker (Gahanna Kiwanis Club and division 10S secretary). Not only at dinner time, but just about anytime throughout the day during the week of convention, you can usually find a fellow Kiwanian or two to grab a bite, get a cup of coffee, or just sit down and talk to. In my opinion, Kiwanians are some of the nicest people you will ever meet! Ok.. Maybe I'm just a little bias.. But shhh I won't tell if you don't!
Finally, in the bottom right hand corner is a behind the scenes sneak peek of the large delegate session where all the important decision of Kiwanis International are made. As a Kiwanian attending the International Convention, you have the opportunity to be as involved or uninvolved in the convention as you would like. Since this was my 3rd International Convention, I decided to take part in the Sergent at Arms (SAA) role. By doing this job, I was able to assist with as many or as few tasks as I wanted. As this was my first year and I was still a little confused on what was going on, I focused most of my energy on the delegate session. I got to go in early, familiarize myself with the seating areas, and then direct delegates to their seats. In doing this I met so many amazing people; not only fellow SAA's, but also delegates and fellow Kiwanians.
These are just a few of the many, many things that make Kiwanis such a powerful organization and make it so much fun to be a part of! What are you waiting for? Picture yourself in Kiwanis, attend a meeting soon, and start creating your own picture perfect moments!
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