(Chelsea Update would like to thank Bob Milbrodt for the information in this story.)
Last Monday, the Chelsea Kiwanis Club heard from club members Larry and Nancy Memmer. They spoke about the 104th Kiwanis International Convention held at Walt Disney World last week. As Governor of the Michigan District of Kiwanis, Larry Memmer led the delegation of Kiwanians from towns across the state.
Daniel Vigneron from Belgium was elected as International President for the year beginning Oct. 1. He will lead the over half a million volunteers in the organization’s 88 countries around the world.
Executive Director Stan Soderstrom spoke about Kiwanis not just being a community service organization, but being a community impact organization. In addition to the many projects clubs do that are temporary, he highlighted those that make a significant impact. For example:
Our Service Leadership Programs – Circle K, Key Club, Builder’s Clubs, and K Kids provide a means for Kiwanis club members to mentor their members, set an example, and prompt the students to begin their own journey of service and impact. Locally, our club supports the U of M Circle K and Chelsea High School Key Club.
The Eliminate Project has saved children from a painful death from maternal and neonatal tetanus. Yearly deaths have been halved since Kiwanis joined with UNICEF in 2010.
The Iodine Deficiency Disorder project also has worldwide impact. Eighty-six percent of the world’s population now has access to iodized table salt, decreasing disorders among vunerable populations.
Monday, club members will finalize their menu for Sounds & Sights and the Chelsea Community Fair in the concession trailer. The trailer is the club’s largest fundraiser so that Chelsea Kiwanis can continue to support the organizations and causes members care about.
Go to www.kiwanisclubofchelsea.org for more information.
