As I write this, Phyllis and I have just returned from the International Convention in Las Vegas. What a convention it was! Nearly 7000 Kiwanians from all over the world came together to celebrate our successes and exchange ideas for more ways to serve our communities and meet the needs of children throughout the world. I was especially happy to see over 100 Kiwanians from MNDAK in attendance. I know they returned home inspired, refreshed, and ready to share their experiences and newly gained knowledge with their home clubs.
Of particular interest for me was the unveiling of the new World Wide Service Project for Kiwanis International, "ELIMINATE". Kiwanis International is again teaming up with UNICEF to address another world wide health issue, the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus. This is a major health problem in over 40 third world countries, and takes the lives of thousands of newborn infants in the first week of their lives, and in many cases their mothers as well. For less than 2 dollars health officials can provide immunization to pregnant mothers, and prevent this scourge. Kiwanis and UNICEF have a goal of raising 110 million dollars, and eliminating this health threat by 2015.
In the past, Kiwanians have stepped up when Kiwanis International teamed up with UNICEF to provide iodized salt to eliminate Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD). This project has saved and improved the lives of millions of children throughout the world. I am confident Kiwanians will respond in kind this time as well. If we don’t, who will?
Plans are being finalized for the MNDAK District Convention at the Doublewood Inn in Fargo on August 13-15. We hope to see many of you there. There are excellent forums planned, as well as entertainment and a great keynote speaker. This year we are hearing our keynote speaker at the beginning of the convention on Friday afternoon, so plan to be there early. Our convention coordinators, Pat and Larry Rittgarn, have once again done a great job in preparing for this event, and I know it will be great. There is still time to register for this event. Your club secretaries have all the forms and details. Hope to see you there
