When the cameras turn off, Kiwanis is still there; the launch of Kiwanis Hurricane Dorian Bahamas Recovery Campaign

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Nun-kee-wanis” “We have a good time.” “We make noise.” “We trade.” “We advertise.”

When Allen Simpson Browne conceived the idea of creating another type of community experience, I am sure that he had no idea that he had started something that would have such a profound affect on the world. What Allen saw in 1914, was a way to gather a community who were interested in business and professional relationships, and what it turned into is an international fellowship whose main goal is to provide service worldwide. Let’s take a quick walk through history, and then we are going to return to how the ripple effect of this creation has benefitted the world.

On December 7^th, 1914 Allen Simpson Browne brought his idea of the Supreme Lodge of Benevolent Order Brothers to Joseph G. Prance, who upon hearing it became the first member of what would become Kiwanis. Originally, it was seen as a method of contacting, and connecting with other professional people (Human form of LinkedIn), in the hope of expanding their network, thus their businesses. Like many great ideas, the club grew rapidly, and found homes all over the States, Canada, and finally it made its way to the Caribbean.

Kiwanis made its first appearance in the Caribbean on the beautiful island of Nassau, Bahamas, and was officially organized as the Kiwanis Club of Nassau on December 13^th, 1962. Till this day, the club continues to play an important role in the communities of Bahamas, which is why when two of the islands were hit hard by Hurricane Dorian, and three key clubs were lost, other Kiwanis clubs around the world began to rally together to help their brethren in the Bahamas.

This brings us up to Friday, September 20^th, 2019, and the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was invited yet again to be part of a Kiwanis Celebration. Our first invitation was a special Charter Reception that was hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Toronto Caribbean at the Old Mill in Toronto on Saturday, April 6^th, 2019. This time we had the opportunity to celebrate their one-year anniversary, and the launch of Kiwanis Hurricane Dorian Bahamas Recovery Campaign. Their ambitious, but easily attainable goal; to raise $100,000, that can be utilized to help the communities that have suffered, and to begin the rebuilding of the three key clubs that were lost during the hurricane.

I really appreciated the classiness of the event; they went with a wine and cheese theme, which included some delightful desserts, and amazing tasting wine, just perfect for sipping while enjoying time with the members. In attendance at the event were members from the Kiwanis Club of Riverdale, and the Kiwanis Club of East York. Distinguished Lieutenant Governor Allen Pollard of Riverdale, and Lieutenant Governor Mike Young of East York, showed their support with donations, and the creation of a Go Fund Me page for the campaign.

The Kiwanis Club of Toronto Caribbean has also joined forces with Sandals Resorts and Food For The Poor Canada. Chanelle Perrier-Telemaque, Senior Manager of Programming at Food For The Poor Canada highlighted the work that the organization has done in helping to build strong and prosperous communities across the Caribbean and Latin America. Telemaque expressed the importance of assisting with the most urgent needs of the islands by providing: food, clean water and access to healthcare. So far, they have successfully provided tarps for people who have lost their homes so at least they would have protection from the elements until further help becomes available.

“Every Mickle makes a Muckle!” ~ Hugh Simmonds, President

On Friday, the clubs demonstrated that fundraising could indeed be fun. They sold tickets, which would be put in a raffle for a chance to win a Dyson Hand Held Vacuum, a beautiful wine glass set, and the biggest prize; a 50’ inch Smart TV. Several personal donations were made that night, including a $500.00 by President Hugh Simmonds and his wife Sharon. A welcome surprise was the $1,650.00 donation from the Kawanis Club of East York, and we also learned that key clubs in Jamaica have also joined in with the efforts to support their fellow club members in the Bahamas.

When the cameras turn off, and the public stops talking about Hurricane Dorian, it is heart warming to know that there are still people working actively behind the scenes lending assistance, showing generosity, and mobilizing recovery and rebuilding efforts for the people of the Bahamas. The community is invited to join Kiwanis Foundation of Canada, Food For The Poor Canada, and partners in the Bahamas to enhance the livelihoods of all those who have been affected by Hurricane Dorian. Visit their Go Fund Me page under Kiwanis Hurricane Dorian Bahamas Recovery Campaign.