KiwanisMAGAZINE + PARADISE FOUND - Kiwanis International
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Kiwanis M AGA Z INE
TELLING THE KIWANIS STORY AUGUST 2021
+
PARADISE FOUND
ISLAND KIWANIANS
MAKE WORK FUN
COMING TOGETHER
COUNTRIES TEAM UP
TO HELP YOUNG GIRL
ELC IN SLC
GET ALL THE NEWS
FROM SALT LAKE CITY
PET
PROJECTS
Kiwanis clubs find that creatures of all kinds present ways
to raise funds and serve kids.
p001_KIM_0821_Cover.indd 1 7/1/21 10:05 AM
BE THERE FOR THEM
Kids need Kiwanis. When you give to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, you help us
reach them when they need us most. Warm coats when the temperature drops.
Lifesaving vaccines before a child is born. Fresh food even when it’s not in
season. Make a gift today — and change lives all year long. Let us show you how.
KIWANIS.ORG/HELPKIDS
p002-003_KIM_0821_TOC.indd 2 7/1/21 10:06 AM
INSIDE
KIWANIS IN PARADISE • Page 20
Contents
AUGUST 2021 • VOLUME 106, NUMBER 5
Features Departments
12 PET PROJECTS 4 VOICES
Kiwanis clubs find that creatures of Letter from the Editor; President’s
all kinds present fun ways to raise Message; Executive Perspective Mission Statement
money and serve children.
8 NEWS The mission of
20 KIWANIS IN PARADISE News from the ELC in SLC; Five
Kiwanis magazine is to
Clubs from across this island nation SLP members get scholarships;
have made service not only fun but CKI elects new leaders; Liew wins empower and inspire
also a family affair. President’s Challenge; Signature Kiwanis members
Project Contest winners; Legacy
28 KIWANIANS COME TOGETHER
of Play contest; Homecoming
to make lasting
Members from the United States
campaign differences in the lives
and France partner to help a young
girl receive much-needed surgery. 44 CLUBS IN ACTION of children — and to
From Terrific Kid to a Kiwanian; share their powerful
36 JUSTICE FOR ALL
Pancake partners; Nutrition by
Indiana Kiwanis member Justus
Nancy
work with the world.
Kelley is on a mission to create
inclusive communities. 50 WORKBOOK
Try this tasty shrimp recipe from
40 TOGETHER AGAIN
New Caledonia.
Gathered in person and online
around the world, Kiwanians learned
and led at the 2021 Education and
Leadership Conference.
AUGUS T 2021 3
p002-003_KIM_0821_TOC.indd 3 7/1/21 10:06 AM
VOICES
KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL
KIWANIS MAGAZINE STAFF
PUBLISHER Stan D. Soderstrom
CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS Ben Hendricks
OFFICER
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kasey Jackson
MANAGING EDITOR Tony Knoderer
From the executive editor
ART DIRECTOR Andy Austin
ASSISTANT EDITOR Julie Saetre
MULTIMEDIA PROJECTS Curtis Billue
EDITOR
2020–21 KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS
PRESIDENT Arthur N. Riley
Westminster, Maryland, USA
I
’d like to tell you about a friend came along, she realized he had PRESIDENT-ELECT Peter J. Mancuso
North Bellmore, New York, USA
of a friend of mine. other ideas. IMMEDIATE Daniel Vigneron
PAST PRESIDENT Howald, Luxembourg
His name is Clyde, and he’s “He was too lazy to do agility, VICE PRESIDENT Bert West
Divide, Colorado, USA
very good at his job. When he so I looked into therapy,” she EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Stan D. Soderstrom
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
walks into a school to help kids says. “Therapy dogs are born TRUSTEES Wilfredo Aguilar, South Cotabato, Philippines;
Katrina J. Baranko, Albany, Georgia, USA; Gunnsteinn Björnsson,
with their reading skills, he’s fo- (for this type of work). He was a Sauðárkróki, Iceland; Gary Cooper, Fayetteville, North Carolina,
USA; Kip Crain, Wooster, Ohio, USA; George R. Delisle, Westfield,
cused and non-judgmental. He’s natural fit. He’s a well-socialized Massachusetts, USA; Chuck Fletcher, Frankfort, Kentucky, USA;
Michel Fongue, Noumea, South Province, New Caledonia;
a great listener and puts every- and well-mannered dog who Buheita Fujiwara, Kita-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Elio Garozzo, Catania,
Italy; David W. Hurrelbrink, Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Michael
one at ease. doesn’t bark or lick. He’s just Mulhaul, Interlaken, New Jersey, USA; Sam Sekhon, Sandy Hook,
Manitoba, Canada; Ronald E. Smith, Fountain Hills, Arizona; USA;
Cathy Szymanski, Erie, Pennsylvania, USA
It’s actually a bit funny to think happy to interact with the kids.”
2020–21 KIWANIS CHILDREN’S FUND OFFICERS
that Clyde has a job. After all, And how do the kids respond?
PRESIDENT Norman A. Velnes
he’s only 6. And he’s an English “Pure joy,” Golitko says. “Kids Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
PRESIDENT-ELECT Robert M. Garretson
springer spaniel. gain confidence when they read Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
IMMEDIATE Ann Wilkins
Yes, Clyde is a dog. A very soft to Clyde, and they’re amazed PAST PRESIDENT Tahlequah, Oklahoma, USA
TREASURER Filip Delanote
and sweet dog who loves people to give commands that Clyde Koksijde, Belgium
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Stan D. Soderstrom
and enjoys listening to kids read. responds to. It’s empowering.” Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
CHIEF PHILANTHROPY Pam Norman
As a therapy dog, Clyde can visit Kelsey Burton is executive di- OFFICER Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
people at school, in libraries — rector of Paws & Think, Inc. She TRUSTEES Patricia Barsotti, Concord, California, USA; Matthew
Cantrall, Lakeland, Florida, USA; Juanita Edwards, Cherry Log,
and even in hospitals. is, how should I say it, Clyde’s Georgia, USA; Mark G. Esposito, Sicklerville, New Jersey, USA;
Robert S. Maxwell, Topeka, Kansas, USA; Serena Quek, Johor
Therapy dogs are different boss. (Or Clyde’s owner’s boss.) Bahru Johor, Malaysia; Armand B. St. Raymond, Vestavia Hills,
Alabama, USA; Elizabeth M. Tezza, Sullivan’s Island, South
Carolina, USA; John Tyner II, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Daniel
from service dogs in that they She says there are lots of ways Vigneron, Howald, Luxembourg; Bert West, Divide, Colorado,
USA; Yang Chien-Kung “C.K.,” Hsinchu City, Taiwan;
work with their owners — also to work with therapy dogs — Amy Zimmerman, Cincinnati, Ohio
called handlers — to offer com- many that could become Kiwanis KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL OFFICE
3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3196
fort. Service dogs are trained to service projects like the others 1-800-KIWANIS (in U.S./Canada), +1-317-875-8755
Fax: +1-317-879-0204
Email: magazine@kiwanis.org
provide a specific service, such as featured in this issue. One way Website: kiwanis.org
Magazine website: kiwanismagazine.org
a guide dog for a blind person or would be to work with families ADVERTISING SALES
a dog that can detect seizures in a to bring therapy into the home. Fox Associates Inc.
116 West Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL 60654-4655
1-800-440-0231 (U.S./Canada), +1-312-644-3888
person with epilepsy. “We offer virtual therapy dog Fax: +1-312-644-8718
Email: adinfo.kiwanis@foxrep.com
My friend Raygan Golitko is visits in our Paws to Connect FUTURE CONVENTIONS
a serious dog lover and Clyde’s program that is open to anyone, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, June 8-11, 2022
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, June 21-24, 2023
Denver, Colorado, USA, July 3-7, 2024
owner. anywhere,” she says. “Each per- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, June 25-28, 2025
She had son gets a 15-minute virtual visit KIWANIS (ISSN 0162-5276) is published monthly except
February, May, July and November by Kiwanis International.
trained with a therapy dog.” Postmaster: Send address changes to Kiwanis, 3636 Woodview
Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3196. Periodicals postage paid
another of Visit pawsandthink.org to at Indianapolis, IN and additional mailing offices. (CPC Pub
Agreement #40030511)
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Kiwanis,
her dogs in learn more or search for therapy 2835 Kew Drive, Windsor, ON N8T 3B7.
Member’s annual subscription is US$8. Nonmembers may
agility and dog recommendations in your subscribe for US$12 per year.
The information in this magazine is for illustrative and discussion
fell in love community. purposes only. It is intended to provide general information
about the subject matter covered and is provided with the
with it. understanding that Kiwanis is not rendering legal, accounting or
tax advice. You should consult with appropriate counsel or other
But when KASEY JACKSON advisors on all matters pertaining to legal, tax or accounting
obligations and requirements.
Clyde EXECUTIVE EDITOR Copyright ©2021 Kiwanis International
4 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p004-005_KIM_0821_Mast-Column.indd 4 7/1/21 10:07 AM
Make your home more comfortable than ever
“To you, it’s the perfect lift chair.
To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.”
— J. Fitzgerald, VA
NOW
also available in
Genuine Italian Leather
(and new Chestnut color)
Three Chairs
in One
Sleep/Recline/Lift
Pictured: Genuine Italian Leather ACCREDITED
chair chestnut color. BUSINESS A+
You can’t always lie down in bed and sleep. back pressure relief, to prevent back and muscle
Heartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back pain. The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back
aches – and dozens of other ailments and and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort.
worries. Those are the nights you’d give anything Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced
for a comfortable chair to sleep in: one that arm support when sitting or reclining. It even has
reclines to exactly the right degree, raises your feet a battery backup in case of a power outage.
and legs just where you want them, supports your
head and shoulders properly, and operates at the White glove delivery included in shipping
touch of a button. charge. Professionals will deliver the chair to
the exact spot in your home where you want it,
Our Perfect Sleep Chair® does all that and unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even
more. More than a chair or recliner, it’s designed carry the packaging away! You get your choice
to provide total comfort. Choose your preferred of Genuine Italian leather, stain and water repellent
heat and massage settings, for hours of custom-manufactured DuraLux™ with the classic
soothing relaxation. Reading or watching TV? leather look or plush MicroLux™ microfiber in a
Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause variety of colors to fit any decor. New Chestnut
the chair in an infinite number of settings. And color only available in Genuine Italian
best of all, it features a powerful lift mechanism Leather. Call now!
that tilts the entire chair forward, making it easy
to stand. You’ll love the other benefits, too. It The Perfect Sleep Chair®
1-888-816-6628
helps with correct spinal alignment and promotes
Please mention code 115152 when ordering.
REMOTE-CONTROLLED
EASILY SHIFTS FROM FLAT TO Chestnut
A STAND-ASSIST POSITION Genuine Italian Leather
classic beauty & durability
Mahogany Tan Chocolate Blue
Long Lasting DuraLux™ (Burgundy)
stain & water repellent
Burgundy Cashmere Chocolate Indigo
Footrest may
vary by model
MicroLux™ Microfiber
breathable & amazingly soft
46562
Because each Perfect Sleep Chair is a made-to-order bedding product it cannot be returned, but if it arrives damaged
or defective, at our option we will repair it or replace it. © 2021 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.
p004-005_KIM_0821_Mast-Column.indd 5 7/1/21 10:07 AM
VOICES
President’s message ART RILEY
KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
F
requently during this year, I One inspiration throughout this and build the future of Kiwanis.
have been emphasizing that Kiwanis year has been the sight The foundation includes updated
Kiwanians are dream mak- of members continuing to show leadership education through
ers because their efforts make that spirit during the pandemic. Kiwanis Amplify, expanded lead-
children’s lives better. Members Kiwanians have discovered new ership experiences for CKI and
donate thousands of hours to ways to serve, adapted service to Key Club members and greater
advise students who join a Service changing circumstances and em- diversity within clubs.
Leadership Program, and they braced new technology that will As we come to the last couple
invest their own dollars in student enable service in the future. months of the Kiwanis year and
scholarships, nutrition programs Those adaptations are im- the start of the next one, let’s keep
and other projects. portant. By remaining active, up our momentum — attracting
With each act of service and members make growth possible new mem-
generosity, Kiwanians demon- — opening new clubs, helping bers, opening
strate their belief in improving clubs repurpose their service and new clubs
the future for the kids around coaching clubs of all sizes to rec- and shaping
the corner and around the world ognize new opportunities. the dreams of
— even when they might not Each step has helped us over- kids through
witness the results. come the adversity of 2020-21 Kiwanis.
Executive perspective STAN SODERSTROM
KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I
n June, I gave my report at the people have insufficient access ple, we’ve launched online edu-
Education and Leadership Con- to vaccines and health care. cation programs such as Kiwanis
ference from the event’s location Global prospects regarding the Amplify, meeting people where
in Salt Lake City. Of course, many pandemic and Kiwanis’ financial they are and on their schedule.
of you saw it online because of the future will have to take uncer- That’s how clubs will connect
obstacles to travel and attendance tainty into account. with people as well. Throughout
created by COVID-19. But in places where the clouds our 106 years — including pan-
Remote attendance at a Kiwanis are lifting, one fact seems clearer: demics, depressions, recessions
conference or convention isn’t the Every Kiwanis club should start and two world wars — Kiwanis
preferred option for most of us. But thinking of itself, at least in part, has faced the question of how we
it did make participation possible as an internet club. Busy people, can not only survive, but flourish.
for many members. And once particularly younger adults, are This recent
again, technology struck me as an more accessible via digital de- era of diffi-
answer to a key question: How can vices. It’s time for clubs to adapt, culty has giv-
we guarantee that we’ll be stronger meeting both in-person and with en us a fresh
as we come out of the pandemic? remote options. reminder of
As I noted at the ELC, the At Kiwanis International, we’ve potential and
pandemic is far from over where started that process too. For exam- possibility.
6 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p006-007_KIM_0821_Columns.indd 6 7/1/21 10:08 AM RETAIL A
Every kid can be a
Terrific Kids is a program that helps students
modify their behavior and become the best
version of themselves. Encourage kids to
shine by purchasing a Terrific Kids kit for
a school near you.
store.kiwanis.org/terrifickids
RETAIL AD tk final.indd 1
p006-007_KIM_0821_Columns.indd 7 6/17/20 10:08
7/1/21 3:45 AM
PM
KIWANIS NEWS
What’s happening
TRENDS, TIPS, FACTS AND FIGURES FROM KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL
District, Linda I. Lawther of the Mich-
igan District and Dan Leikvold of the
Minnesota-Dakotas District.
One three-year term was filled by
Hope Markes at the Eastern Canada
and the Caribbean District Convention
in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, held
ART RILEY May 14-15, 2021, by delegates from
the district.
And Éliane Ott-Scheffer was elected
from the Europe Region during the
Kiwanis International-European Fed-
eration Convention, which was held
online June 5.
Congratulations to all our new
leaders.
PETER MANCUSO BERT WEST KATRINA BARANKO
News from the ELC in SLC
Election results are in for the 2021-22 and Leadership Conference. The
Kiwanis International leadership team. international council elected officers
Peter Mancuso of the New York again this year due to the COVID-19
District was elected president of pandemic.
Kiwanis International. Bert West of In addition to Mancuso, West and
the Rocky Mountain District was Baranko, new trustees were elected for
elected president-elect, and Katrina the 2021-22 year.
J. Baranko of the Georgia District was Three trustees were elected from
elected vice president during the 2021 the United States and Pacific Canada
Kiwanis International Council, held Region to serve three-year terms:
June 26 in Salt Lake City, Utah, during Gary S. Graham of the Louisi-
the Kiwanis International Education ana-Mississippi-West Tennessee
8 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p008-011_KIM_0821_News.indd 8 7/1/21 10:10 AM
526
The number of applications the Kiwanis Children’s Fund received for the five
scholarships it awarded to Key Club and Circle K International members this
summer. Applications came from 45 U.S. states and eight countries.
Five SLP members get scholarships
The Kiwanis Children’s Fund award- The Key Club scholarship winners are:
ed scholarships to five members of • Yena Suh, California-Nevada-Hawaii
Key Club and Circle K International. District
The recipients all worked diligently • Haley Wojtach, Indiana District
during the COVID-19 pandemic to The CKI winners are:
Liew wins President’s Challenge
support their clubs and continue • Julia Fan, New York District May was Membership Month for
serving their schools and commu- • Amanda Lang, Georgia District Kiwanis International — and the
nities. In addition, all five intend to • Julianne Shaffer, Ohio District month of President Art Riley’s
further their education in order to To learn more about the recipients, membership-growth challenge to
serve others. visit kiwanis.org/2021scholarships. lieutenant governors. Sandy Liew of
the Queens East Division of the New
York District won the grand prize: a
free registration to the Education and
Leadership Conference.
In addition, 20 other lieutenant
governors were awarded for their
results with a US$75 gift card to the
Kiwanis Family Store.
KYLE LANK LEAH REISER
Congratulations to all the winners
of the 2021 President’s Challenge!
CKI elects new leaders
The 2021-22 Circle K International Trustees
Board was elected in June during the Madeleine Eichorn, Capital District; Key dates in August
CKI Education and Leadership Confer- Chelsea Jordan, Caribbean District; August 10: Legacy of Play
ence held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Tyler Kearns, New York District; Alissa contest opens
McIntyre, Southwest District; Liz Sevigny, August 12: International Youth
President — Kyle Lank, New Jersey
New England District; Katelyn Van Buren, Day
District
Wisconsin-Upper Michigan District; Jona- August 19: World
Vice president — Leah Reiser, Georgia than Varano, New Jersey District; Isabelle Humanitarian Day
District Wang, New York District.
AUGUS T 2021 9
p008-011_KIM_0821_News.indd 9 7/1/21 10:10 AM
KIWANIS NEWS
Signature Project contest winners
Every year, Kiwanis International recognizes the best signature Silver
projects of Kiwanis clubs around the world. The contest con- Tier 1: Kiwanis Club of Jenkintown,
tains two levels: Tier I for clubs with 27 or fewer members and Pennsylvania, USA: Sunset 5K Run
Tier II for clubs with 28 or more members. Congratulations to
Tier 2: Kiwanis clubs of Calgary,
the winners of this year’s Signature Project contest. Learn more
Northmount; Airdrie; Okotoks and Co-
about signature projects at kiwanis.org/signatureproject.
chrane, Canada: Christmas Gifts and Toys
Gold Bronze
Tier 1: Kiwanis Club of Candelaria, Philip- Tier 1: Kiwanis Club of Centennial
pines: Hand Washing Facilities and Safe Hills, Nevada, USA: Color Walk/
Drinking Water Run and Car Show
Tier 2: Kiwanis Club of Providence-Mon- Tier 2: Kiwanis Club of Port Char-
tego Bay, Jamaica: Breast Cancer Awareness lotte Sunrise, Florida, USA: Sunrise
5K Walk/Run Kiwanis Shoes for Kids
Legacy of Play contest coming
The eighth annual Legacy of Play
contest, sponsored by Kiwanis partner
Landscape Structures Inc. (LSI), will
begin August 10, 2021. The winning
Kiwanis club will receive US$25,000
in playground equipment. Any club
that enters and continues its project
plans with LSI will receive a compli-
mentary OmniSpin® Spinner, valued at
US$8,500.
2021 Legacy of Play contest dates:
August 10: Contest opens
September 10: Last day for entries
September 15-30: Voting period
October 4: Finalists complete survey
October 13: Winner announced on
Facebook
For more details about the contest, visit
kiwanis.org/legacyofplay.
10 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p008-011_KIM_0821_News.indd 10 7/1/21 10:10 AMall Kiwanis members review
youth protection policies
annually. In addition, SLP
advisors and chaperones are
required to have a current
Kiwanis background check
on file — and required to
have completed youth
protection eLearning
courses through Armatus/
Praesidium every two
years. More information is
available at kiwanis.org/
youthprotection.
As the Kiwanis family
revitalizes clubs and reen-
Homecoming campaign to help SLPs rebound
ergizes members, Kiwanis clubs can
For more than a year, Kiwanis family the cooperation of various groups and help SLPs rebound as well. Kiwanians’
clubs found their normal operations individuals will be necessary for clubs support helps more than 9,400 SLP
disrupted by the COVID-19 pan- to get back to full strength. The tools clubs around the world serve their
demic. For our Service Leadership for working with them are available at schools and communities. With the
Programs, those disruptions were an kiwanis.org/homecoming. Homecoming campaign, you can
obstacle to service and fellowship in There’s another crucial feature of the help them get back to school, back to
two different school years. campaign: SLP clubs that were inactive service — and back with safety.
From building closures to limits on or in “COVID status” during
in-person activities, the pandemic the past school year can
caused drops in membership and reactivate at no cost.
cancellations of service projects and To reactivate, club lead-
fundraisers — and for many SLP clubs, ers need to notify Kiwanis
even a slide to “inactive” status. International by emailing
As a new school year begins, Ki- slp@kiwanis.org or calling
wanis is helping SLP clubs get back Member Services at 1-800-
to normal with the Homecoming 549-2647, ext. 411.
campaign. As Kiwanis helps
Resources include tools for district reenergize SLP clubs, the
and club leaders to use when commu- emphasis on protecting
nicating and working with key people. members remains. For
From school leaders and parents to instance, the organization
Kiwanis clubs and new SLP members, continues to require that
AU GUS T 2021 11
p008-011_KIM_0821_News.indd 11 7/1/21 10:10 AMCOVER STORY
PET
PROJECTS
KIWANIS CLUBS FIND THAT CREATURES OF ALL KINDS PRESENT WAYS
TO RAISE FUNDS AND SERVE KIDS.
“N
Story by Tony Knoderer ever work with children tion into a winning formula. From
or animals,” the great film fundraisers to projects and part-
comedian W.C. Fields nerships, members have drawn
once advised his fellow actors. on people’s love for animals to
But he wasn’t a Kiwanian — and change children’s lives.
this isn’t showbiz. This is the Even in the past year and a half,
Kiwanis family. with the restrictions and ravages
Unlike curmudgeons such as of the COVID-19 pandemic, the
Fields, Kiwanis clubs often find attraction of animal-related events
kids and animals to be a perfect has remained as strong as ever.
pairing. They’re cute. They make Here are a few clubs that have
us happy. They make each other maintained traditions — and
happy. And they often need sup- started new ones — by making
port from people who care. kids and animals alike a key part
For years, various Kiwanis clubs of the work they do in their com-
have turned this natural combina- munities.
12 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p012-019_KIM_0821_Animals.indd 12 7/1/21 10:11 AMCOVER STORY
AU GUS T 2021 13
p012-019_KIM_0821_Animals.indd 13 7/1/21 10:12 AMCOVER STORY
14 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p012-019_KIM_0821_Animals.indd 14 7/1/21 10:12 AMCOVER STORY
“We find we can get sponsors to
provide funds too. A car dealer, a
carpet shop — everybody loves
to be involved with dogs.”
COOL DOGS contacted (the Columbus club)
Last September, the Foothills and they were gracious enough to
Kiwanis Club of Boulder Valley, send a packet that they had used.
Colorado, converted pet owners’ We tailored that to our club.”
pride into nearly US$20,000 for The contest is a lot of work, he
its projects and partnerships. In adds, but that helps engage the
fact, the Coolest Dog on the Front whole club. In addition to social
Range contest was a testament to media promotion, for example,
the power of collaboration. Help members drop off flyers with
came from pet owners, sponsors pet groomers, veterinarians and
and a local brewery — not to animal hospitals.
mention an Ohio Kiwanis club Mash Lab Brewing is also “a
that helped make it all possible. great partner,” Mohling says.
To enter the contest, people “They advertise for us at their
sent photos of their dogs with a brewery and do a lot on social
brief explanation of why theirs media. We’ve gotten a large group
was the coolest. After a six-week of entries from Windsor, which is
voting period, seven winners were 30 miles from our club.”
announced — with the “Top Dog” The brewery even donated 35
professionally photographed and cases of beer, to be given to the
featured on the front label of a beer winning owners and bought by
brewed by Mash Lab Brewing in the contest’s other local spon-
Windsor, Colorado. The winner’s sors — boosting fundraising even
owner even got to name the beer. further. Among the many partners
It all started, says Bob Mohling, who receive those funds is Alert
the event’s committee chair, when Service Dogs for Kids, which
club members saw a successful provides “alert” dogs to kids who
“coolest dog” fundraiser run by the have Type 1 diabetes or severe
Kiwanis Club of Columbus, Ohio. allergies.
“We had been doing golf “The voting brings in the prepon-
tournaments for many years,” derance of funds,” Mohling says,
Mohling says. “It seemed like “but we find we can get sponsors
everyone was turning to golf to provide funds too. A car dealer, a
tournaments, and we wanted to carpet shop — everybody loves to
do something a little different. We be involved with dogs.”
AU GUS T 2021 15
p012-019_KIM_0821_Animals.indd 15 7/1/21 10:12 AM“I don’t think the Kiwanis
members realized what
a treasure they had
given to the city.”
A HANDS-ON TRADITION of kids arrive on
In Ontario, Canada, the Seaway any given day.
Kiwanis Club of Sarnia-Lambton But like many
had been around for five years public spaces, the
when it opened an animal farm farm felt the pinch
and petting zoo in 1964. What of the pandemic in
began as a partnership with the 2020. When restrictions
city of Sarnia soon grew into an eased a bit last fall, 100
area destination spot — and a people were allowed on the
long-lasting boost to the Kiwanis premises at a time. Renewing
name throughout the area. the connection between animals
“I don’t think (the Kiwanis and people proved to be good
members) realized what a trea- for visiting kids — and for the
sure they had given to the city,” Kiwanians who volunteered on-
says club member Donna Kelso, site to serve as gatekeepers and
a past club president and current explain the guidelines.
member of the animal farm’s “The lineup on the first day
governance committee. was huge,” Kelso says. “They
Today the Sarnia Animal Farm were so eager to see the animals
is a three-way partnership be- again. It was one of the best
tween the club, the city and the experiences I ever had.”
Humane Society, which has han- In fact, those experiences help
dled the care of the animals for make Kiwanis family member-
the past five years. The Seaway ship attractive to the community.
Kiwanis club handles expenses The Seaway club’s sponsorship
and upkeep, says Kelso. Along of a virtual Key Club results in
with club events, the Sarnia summertime work opportunities
Children’s Farm Foundation for high school students — one
helps raise the funds that keep of whom, Kelso says, ended up
the farm accessible to everyone. as an employee at the farm.
“It started free, and it contin- The Kiwanis club itself has
ues to be free,” Kelso says. inducted 11 members since
It’s also open year-round. With October alone. “As soon as you
thousands of visitors every year, talk about the farm, they’re in,”
it isn’t unusual to see a busload Kelso says.
16 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p012-019_KIM_0821_Animals.indd 16 7/1/21 10:12 AMCOVER STORY
AU GUS T 2021 17
p012-019_KIM_0821_Animals.indd 17 7/1/21 10:12 AMCOVER STORY
“It’s amazing, the number of to be a benefit to the pet-contest
portion of the day: people could
animal adoptions there have send in photos of their pets, and
others voted online. The contest
been during the pandemic. consisted of Cute Pet and Cos-
tumed Pet categories.
In a scary time, we turn to “It seemed to flow better when
we did it online,” Miller says.
what gives us a sense of While the winners got prizes,
comfort and home.”
local animal-rescue organizations
— including the Allen County
Humane Society — got needed
funds at a time when resources
were scarce. The club’s reborn
PETS TO THE RESCUE “Bob brought up the fact that in tradition will continue this Octo-
Like so many clubs, the Lima, the past we had had a pet contest ber, when the contest continues
Ohio, Kiwanis Club found itself that was really successful,” Miller as a supplement to the walk/run,
making some unexpected changes says. “And we realized, well, it is which will try again as an in-per-
to its 2020 calendar of events. For around Halloween.” son event on October 31.
instance, the club’s 5K walk/run In 2020, the Saturday event
in October, which supports the was on the very day: October 31. A NEW VEHICLE FOR A CLASSIC
club’s sponsored Service Leader- Perfect for an animal tie-in that EVENT
ship Programs, became a virtual included a pet costume option. For Kiwanis clubs, there’s more
event because of the COVID-19 Then the pandemic intruded. than one way to do pet parades
pandemic. So the Howl o’Ween Trick or Trot and contests. And there’s more
And with it went a recent went virtual. And that turned out than one way to adjust when a
additional feature of the day: the pandemic takes away your club’s
club’s pet parade and contest. traditional format.
The parade and contest started In Los Altos, California, the Ki-
— or more ac- wanis club’s annual pet
curately, parade is a
restart- major civic
ed — in event. It
2019, started in
says Crystal 1948 — and
Miller, who chairs the each year after that, it sent
event committee. When families and pets marching
the club discussed sup- down Main Street on the
plementing the walk/ Saturday after Mother’s Day.
run’s fundraising and Until 2020. Last year, the
sponsorship opportuni- Los Altos Kiwanis Club
ties, a fellow member, Bob made do, splicing together
Day, suggested adding the people’s homemade
animal-friendly feature. videos of local pets
18 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p012-019_KIM_0821_Animals.indd 18 7/1/21 10:13 AMCOVER STORY
into a single video that was
then posted on the club’s Face-
book page.
This year, of course,
COVID-19 was still around —
but vaccinations and the easing
of restrictions allowed the
event to get outside again, with
modifications.
This May, for instance, parade
participants used their vehicles. In general,
That is, they either drove with the concepts of resilience
their pet or pets inside with them and support were more apt
or they made the vehicle itself the than ever. And the role of
star: Participants had the option pets was never more fitting.
of “dressing” their autos as their “It’s amazing, the num-
pet or a favorite animal. ber of (animal) adoptions
It was a way of putting in-per- there have been during the
son fun back into the event while pandemic,” Ward says. “In
keeping people healthy, says a scary time, we turn to
Elizabeth Ward, the club’s vice what gives us a sense of
president. In fact, “The Healing comfort and home.”
Power of Pets” was this year’s
theme. HEARTS AND HOOFS
The club arranged with a local Clubs in Kiwanis Youth a natural connection.
TV station to help stream the Programs have also found ways In March, the Kiwanis Club of
event live on Facebook, with par- to serve others through animals. Tysons, Virginia, helped its local
ticipants stopping at a designated During the 2018-19 school year, for shelter with a quick, fun project:
intersection to talk with a pair instance, Builders Club members Members got together on Zoom
of local hosts. There was even a in Taylorville, Illinois, raised for a virtual toy-making project
contest for the decorated vehicles, money for a local organization that for animals. Joined by the Kiwanis
with judges doing their work in a uses miniature horses for therapy. Capital Legacy e-Club, Kiwanians
nearby parking lot. The partnership with Heart- made dog toys, rabbit toys and
The parade reflected the pan- land Hoofs resulted in more than comfort blankets for donation.
demic’s effect — and the commu- US$2,000 for feed, hay, grooming The Tysons club then posted
nity’s response — in other ways. items and more. The club even ac- some of the results on its Face-
The club approached the local El companied the horses on a visit to book page, along with links to
Camino Hospital and allowed a nursing home, bringing home- instructions and supplies for
them to suggest this year’s mar- made valentines to residents. anyone wanting to try the project
shals. The hospital’s choice, Mel themselves. K
and Mady Kahn, longtime volun- SUPPORTING A SHELTER
teers and donors to the hospital, Animals need support too. That’s Tell us about your club’s animal-
rode with their two adopted dogs what makes partnerships between related projects. Send us an email
in an antique fire engine. Kiwanis clubs and animal shelters at shareyourstory@kiwanis.org.
AU GUS T 2021 19
p012-019_KIM_0821_Animals.indd 19 7/1/21 10:13 AM20 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G p020-027_KIM_0821_New Caledonia.indd 20 7/1/21 10:15 AM
KIWANIS AROUND THE WORLD
Kiwanis
in paradise
CLUBS FROM ACROSS THIS ISLAND NATION HAVE MADE SERVICE FUN —
AND A FAMILY AFFAIR. By Fabienne April
I
magine an island where COVID-19 hours to drive from the island’s
virus infections are largely nonex- northern tip to its southern end,
istent. Palm trees sway in the soft, and about 1.5 hours to drive from
warm winds as joyful Kiwanians the west side to the east side of the
from clubs around the island enjoy “Island of Eternal Spring.”
a picnic on the beach, sharing dishes This territory of France in the
from the island’s many cultures. southwest Pacific Ocean encom-
Can you guess where we might passes a large island, which the
be? Need more hints? locals call le caillou (the pebble), as
It would take approximately seven well as smaller islands.
p020-027_KIM_0821_New Caledonia.indd 21 7/1/21 10:15 AM22 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G p020-027_KIM_0821_New Caledonia.indd 22 7/1/21 10:16 AM
KIWANIS AROUND THE WORLD
Members of the Tiare Païta Kiwanis Club
who represent the Pacific region and mi-
grations to New Caledonia: (Left to right)
Marie was born in New Caledonia in a
family originating from the Wallis and
Futuna Islands; Jacqueline is a Kanak;
Titikua is from French Polynesia.
no matter where they go. They
also have a dark-red division
outfit. For the last Asia-Pacific
conference, they even wore a
traditional Kanak outfit, also
Kiwanis-branded.
“We’re small, but people see us
Now you’ve got it: We’re in New Caledonia. The all the time,” says Julien LeRay, past president of the
island has a striking diversity of people: the original Tiare Païta Kiwanis Club.
inhabitants, the Kanak; people of European descent; Annually, the division’s clubs invest about XPF15
Polynesians; Southeast Asians; as well as some peo- million in multiple service projects.
ple originally from North Africa. You name it, they’ve done it: foot races, boat races,
Kiwanians there reflect that diversity, from their fairs, special events at Christmas or Easter, events
ethnicities to the range of their ages, professional at retirement homes, food collections, donations of
backgrounds and more. Another striking thing is furniture, clothing and linens for people affected by
what so many have in com-
mon: New Caledonia has one
of the world’s highest percent-
ages of Kiwanians among its
general population.
“At Kiwanis, we meet people
from all walks of life who come
together around the same
cause, with the same values,”
says Sandrine Baille, a member
of the Kiwanis Club of Tiare
Païta. “We build lasting friend-
ships. We have the impression
of being part of a great family.
It’s motivating, rewarding,
socially fulfilling.”
Each club has chosen a dis-
tinct color so that its members
are recognized, and those
members proudly wear Kiwan-
is-branded shirts in that color,
AU GUS T 2021 23
p020-027_KIM_0821_New Caledonia.indd 23 7/1/21 10:16 AMKIWANIS AROUND THE WORLD
hurricanes, a magic show at the hospital ... and on
and on.
There are so many events and activities
throughout the year that the division makes a
joint Kiwanis event calendar available to help the
general population keep track. In fact, the local
press and various town halls regularly cover the
clubs’ activities, which help New Caledonians
get together to delight children and adults — and
foster a culture of exchange.
A KALEIDOSCOPE OF PROJECTS
As you can imagine, the volume and diversity of
Kiwanis members result in a great variety of ser-
vice projects and events.
For instance, La Régate des Touques (The Drum
24 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p020-027_KIM_0821_New Caledonia.indd 24 7/1/21 10:16 AMRegatta) is a festive event for which Kiwanians
from different clubs build a raft representing
Kiwanis out of metal container drums, to which
they fix a sail. A race is launched off the large beach
in Nouméa, the capital. It’s a fun event because
the precarious rafts often fail, to the delight of
thousands of spectators. During the last regatta,
Kiwanis was in the lead, but then its sail broke and
other rafts caught up. The event narrator shouted
on microphone “Go, Kiwanis, go!” for a very long
time, putting the Kiwanians at the center of atten-
tion despite their unlucky circumstances.
The Ralia Kiwanis Club is well-known for its
themed evening events where people dance and
partake in local delicacies prepared by Kiwan-
ians. The club also holds a yearly country ball,
for which participants don cowboy boots and
hats and line dance; an 80s-themed evening,
where all guests dress in 1980s-style clothing
and dance to retro tunes; and a Full Moon Party,
complete with outdoor lighting and hot main
dishes, desserts and drinks sold by club mem-
bers during a concert.
AU GUS T 2021 25
p020-027_KIM_0821_New Caledonia.indd 25 7/1/21 10:16 AMKIWANIS AROUND THE WORLD
Popular dishes served during these parties include nature preserve. The trail faces the lagoon and the
nems (Vietnamese-style rice paper fried rolls), bami second-largest coral reef in the world.
(Indonesian-inspired fried noodles with vegetables “There are many things that I find touching at the
and meat), bougna (a Kanak specialty containing Érythrines club,” says Éric Buama, a member of the Ki-
vegetables, such as yams and taro, and meats or sea- wanis Club of Érythrines. “First of all, interacting with
food, wrapped in banana leaves and buried to cook longtime Kiwanians. Presenting awards. Every project
in a ground oven) and many classic French dishes, with children is always heartwarming when you see
such as quiches. One ingredient New Caledonians how amazed they are. I really like the sports and nature
couldn’t go without? Soy sauce! trek we organize. It’s a lot of work for a good cause.”
Members organize several outdoor sports events For the past 20 years, the Trail de l’Espoir (Trail of
that help New Caledonians discover the island and Hope) is a successful fundraiser organized by the
its nature. Indeed, New Caledonia has the richest Kenu Kiwanis Club and the Goro tribe in southern
bird and plant diversity in the world per square New Caledonia and run on the red dirt that is so
kilometer. The Érythrines Trek is organized by the typical of soils rich in nickel and iron.
Érythrines Kiwanis club as a fundraiser at the Déva During the yearly Teddy Bear Fair, each club
26 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p020-027_KIM_0821_New Caledonia.indd 26 7/1/21 10:16 AMproposes free activities for children: inflatable
bounce houses, face painting, small carousels, a
knock-down-cans game and more. Kiwanians host
a restaurant booth where thousands of attendees
can purchase kebabs, cake, popcorn, sandwiches,
French fries and grilled sausages. The mayor of
Dumbéa generously allows Kiwanians to hold the
event in the town-hall park free of rental charge.
Because airport traffic has nearly ground to a
halt, Kiwanians started putting together solidarity
baskets to distribute to airport employees who find
themselves out of work. Baskets typically contain
items collected from the general population, such
as fruit, vegetables, cans of food, flour, sugar, rice,
pasta, toothpaste or soap.
At the 2020 Nouméa carnival, a popular multi-
cultural event, Kiwanians built an ocean-blue float
named Kiwanis Ocean, bearing a sail. Members
danced to the rhythm of music while parading
down the streets lined with more than 25,000 on-
lookers who gathered to see 17 total floats.
Kiwanis in
And even when Kiwanians take on the mundane
task of gathering entrance fees to a city fair, they
New Caledonia
spice up the task by entertaining fair attendees
with singing and synchronized dancing to the song
“Jerusalema.”
Conviviality and friendship are key in New Cale- • 12 Kiwanis clubs, approximately
donia. Kiwanians there aren’t just club members. 200 members
They’re a community of friends who participate • 2 Key Clubs
together in the island’s kaleidoscope of projects
and fundraisers. And in doing so, they become a • 1 Builders Club
united family in paradise. K • 1 CKI club
Wondering about New Caledonia cuisine?
• 1 Aktion Club
Try the shrimp curry recipe on page 50.
AU GUS T 2021 27
p020-027_KIM_0821_New Caledonia.indd 27 7/1/21 10:17 AMKIWANIS AROUND THE WORLD
I A N S R
A N T H E
IK W TOGE NA
M E LYA
C O FO R I
KIWANIANS FROM THE UNITED STATES AND FRANCE PARTNER TO HELP
A YOUNG GIRL RECEIVE MUCH-NEEDED SURGERY DURING A PANDEMIC.
By Julie Saetre
I
magine being a child with a love of feared it would become worse.
dancing but living with a disorder that For Ilyana to get the best help possible,
can make even walking difficult, if not she needed highly specialized surgery in
impossible. That’s the real-life situation the United States. Such an undertaking
6-year-old Ilyana Debaine of France was is daunting in ideal circumstances, with
facing in 2020. financial needs, travel, language barriers
Ilyana has spastic cerebral palsy, which and a four-week stay abroad to navigate.
inhibits her muscle growth. This condi- But the situation for Ilyana and her
tion can cause muscle contractures and parents, Laetitia and Julien, became even
orthopedic deformities; in Ilyana’s case, more formidable: She was scheduled for
it was affecting her legs, and her parents surgery in January 2021, as the COVID-19
28 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p028-035_KIM_0821_Ilyana.indd 28 7/1/21 10:17 AMAU GUS T 2021 29 p028-035_KIM_0821_Ilyana.indd 29 7/1/21 10:18 AM
30 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G p028-035_KIM_0821_Ilyana.indd 30 7/1/21 10:18 AM
KIWANIS AROUND THE WORLD
“Given the state of our club’s finances, we thought that the union
of the clubs in the division would help more. The mobilization
of several clubs also allowed us to make a request to the KFE
(Kiwanis France Entraide) foundation, which was accepted.”
pandemic continued to drastically Club in central France and then have both surgeries and time to
impact day-to-day activities, travel lieutenant governor of the region, recover.
and lives worldwide. learned about Ilyana through Daniel Vigneron of Howald,
A dedicated group of Kiwan- regional media. His club wanted to Luxembourg, who served as
ians, however, joined forces in donate funds to help. But with the president of Kiwanis International
an international effort to ensure pandemic lingering, club members during the 2019-20 administrative
Ilyana’s dancing dreams would knew they would not be able to year, knew exactly who to contact.
not be derailed. hold the sixth edition of their flag- Barb Thompson, membership
Ilyana’s parents had learned ship fundraiser, a 5K walk/run. coordinator for the Missouri-Ar-
that if a child with spastic cerebral “Given the state of our club’s fi- kansas District, lives in St. Louis.
palsy has her spasticity reduced nances, we thought that the union Vigneron asked if she could find
while she is young, any deformi- of the clubs in the division would a host family for the Debaines
ties can become less severe. St. help more,” Henry says. “The during their stay.
Louis Children’s Hospital in Mis- mobilization of several clubs also Normally, Thompson says, that
souri specializes in such a surgical allowed us to make a request to wouldn’t be a problem. But that
procedure, known as selective the KFE (Kiwanis France Entraide) was before the pandemic. With
dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). Dr. T.S. foundation, which was accepted.” health officials still asking people
Park, a neurosurgeon and director The KFE foundation provides to limit activities and avoid close
of the hospital’s Center for Cere- support to children and adoles-
bral Palsy Spasticity, has studied cents in need, and those funds
and refined SDR extensively and joined others in the Kiwanian-led
is known internationally for his effort for Ilyana.
expertise in the technique. “There was a great sense of pride
Laetitia and Julien wanted to in having been able to help Ilyana
give their daughter every chance and her parents,” Henry says,
to live her fullest possible life, so “especially since all of the city’s
they began raising funds for the service clubs and all the sports, in-
trip to the United States and SDR dustrial and associative forces also
surgery, as well as a follow-up, mobilized to reach €75,000.”
minimally invasive tendon-length- Between the funds raised by the
ening procedure that would allow Kiwanians and the Debaines, the
Ilyana to recover more quickly. family now had sufficient funds
That’s where Kiwanians in the to cover international flights and
France-Monaco District joined surgery costs. But they still needed
forces to help. Jean-Marc Henry, somewhere to stay for the four
president of the Issoire Kiwanis weeks during which Ilyana would
AU GUS T 2021 31
p028-035_KIM_0821_Ilyana.indd 31 7/1/21 10:18 AMKIWANIS AROUND THE WORLD
“Her life has changed a lot since the operation. She no longer
has pain in her legs. She is able to do new things every day
and is very proud of it.”
contact with others, hospitality and the district’s Kiwanis clubs cated through WhatsApp, an app
was taking a backseat to safety for help. O’Brien distributed a that allows users to send messag-
concerns. flyer outlining Ilyana’s situation es using an internet connection,
“People were sympathetic,” and led a fundraising effort to avoiding expensive text fees.
Thompson says, “but they really cover the family’s hotel stay. Clubs That would prove especially
weren’t ready to host a family.” responded with donations. One useful when the Debaines at-
She then tried to assist the family Kiwanian gave US$3,000, and her tempted to board their flight from
in securing a stay at the St. Louis son matched the amount. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport on
Ronald McDonald House, but hit “He knows that Kiwanis is very December 28, 2020. Travel was still
another roadblock due to pandem- important to his mom,” Thomp- restricted in and out of Europe due
ic restrictions. So Thompson began son says. to the pandemic. The Debaines
looking for hotels instead. She Ultimately, the St. Louis-Ar- had obtained special documents to
discovered that Dr. Parks could ar- kansas District raised US$6,900. allow an exception for Ilyana and
range a discounted stay at a hotel Not only was it enough to cover her parents due to the scheduled
near St. Louis Children’s Hospital, the Debaines’ hotel and grocery surgery. But airport officials in
complete with an in-room kitchen expenses, but it also allowed for Lyon had other ideas.
for preparing meals. the purchase of shoes that would “I got a WhatsApp from
Thompson then turned to Carla accommodate the post-surgery (Laetitia) in the airport in Lyon,
O’Brien, current governor-elect of splints Ilyana would need. And and (airport officials) wouldn’t
the Missouri-Arkansas District, the district was able to purchase let them out of the country, even
a Hypervibe, a machine that pro- though she had special pa-
vides whole-body-vibration phys- pers,” Thompson recalls. “They
ical therapy (WBV), and had it wouldn’t let them board. So she
delivered to the Debaine home in messaged me and said, ‘What
France. WBV can help those with can I do?’ Well, everything that I
cerebral palsy reduce spasticity, thought of, she’d already done.
increase muscle activation and My only suggestion was that Lyon
strength and improve walking is a smaller airport, and maybe if
and functional mobility. they could fly through Paris, they
As Ilyana and her family pre- would be more familiar with such
pared for their trip to St. Louis letters of exception. So that’s what
for the scheduled January 5, 2021, she did, ultimately, and they left
SDR surgery, Laetitia and Thomp- two days later.”
son coordinated plans, despite the Ground transportation didn’t
fact that Laetitia does not speak prove much easier to procure.
English and Thompson does not Thompson at first asked a friend
speak French. Laetitia can read and who was a ride-share driver if he
write in English, so they communi- could transport the family to and
32 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p028-035_KIM_0821_Ilyana.indd 32 7/1/21 10:18 AMAU GUS T 2021 33 p028-035_KIM_0821_Ilyana.indd 33 7/1/21 10:19 AM
KIWANIS AROUND THE WORLD
34 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p028-035_KIM_0821_Ilyana.indd 34 7/1/21 10:19 AMKIWANIS AROUND THE WORLD
“I was really glad that we were able to serve them and try to make
this an easier experience for them. I was so impressed by the
family. I just admire them so much, and the sacrifice that they were
willing to make to guarantee their daughter a brighter future.”
from appointments during their Translate on their phones so they They are so resilient. I just admire
stay. But he wasn’t comfortable could understand each other. them so much, and the sacrifice
knowing that the family had trav- Now that the Debaines are home that they were willing to make to
eled through three airports to get in France, Laetitia sends Thomp- guarantee their daughter a bright-
to the U.S. son videos of Ilyana’s progress. er future.”
Undaunted, Thompson began And it’s impressive. Today, Ilyana rides a bicycle
calling taxicab companies and “Her life has changed a lot since without assistance. She partici-
located one which had installed the operation,” Laetitia says. “She pates in sports at her school. And
Plexiglas between passengers no longer has pain in her legs. She she dances — thanks in no small
and the driver and sanitized the is able to do new things every day part to an international effort by
cabs after every ride. She called and is very proud of it. On the oth- Kiwanians who wanted to help
that company throughout the er hand, it’s also difficult for her, a little girl despite an ongoing
Debaines’ six-week stay, even because she goes to school every worldwide pandemic.
arranging a ride during a heavy morning and goes to the physio- “We were extremely happy with
snowstorm so Ilyana could make therapist every afternoon, which how we were welcomed, with the
it to an important medical ap- is very hard physically some help of everyone we met,” Laetitia
pointment. days. But she hangs on because says. “It is truly an experience that
“They grew to know me, and she knows that this is the way to has marked us for life.” K
they were very nice. Eventually, I progress further.”
knew all the dispatchers,” Thomp- Things are different for mom
son says with a laugh. and dad Debaine, as well.
Thanks to the combined and “What has really changed in our
determined efforts of Kiwanians, life since the operation is that we
Ilyana successfully underwent are less afraid for her future, al-
both of her surgeries as scheduled. though nothing is certain,” Laetitia
The first lasted three and a half says. “We know we made the right
hours; the second only 30 min- decision for her. And we are proud
utes. Thompson and her husband to see that she fights every day and
purchased groceries for the family always exceeds her limits.”
each week and delivered them to For Barb Thompson’s part, she
the Debaines’ hotel lobby, where admires the family’s dedication
staff retrieved them. and drive.
Thompson met the family only “I was really glad that we were
once during their stay. They stood able to serve them and try to make
outside in a parking lot, social- this an easier experience for them.
ly distanced, and used Google I was so impressed by the family.
AU GUS T 2021 35
p028-035_KIM_0821_Ilyana.indd 35 7/1/21 10:19 AMPROFILE
36 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p036-039_KIM_0821_Kelly.indd 36 7/1/21 10:20 AMPROFILE
Justice for all
THIS INDIANA KIWANIAN IS ON A MISSION TO CREATE INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES.
By Erin Cozad
J
ustus Coleman Kelley began Kelley’s Mrs. Indiana platform
volunteering with Kiwanis as centers around the goal of “Build-
a student at Indiana University ing Inclusive Societies.” Her love
in Bloomington, Indiana. The first for people, combined with the
time she attended a club event, personal experiences of feeling ex-
she immediately felt at home — cluded, inspire her to help create
just as she did when represent- communities where every person
ing her school as Miss Indiana feels heard and comfortable being
University, among other titles she their authentic self.
held over the following years.
Now a member of the Kiwanis
Club of Bloomington and the
Kiwanis Club of Central Indiana
and a holder of two new titles —
Mrs. Indiana and Mrs. America
runner-up — Kelley often finds
that her work with Kiwanis and
her pursuit of her title platforms
intertwine.
AU GUS T 2021 37
p037_KIM_0821_Kelly.indd 37 7/1/21 10:20 AMPROFILE
“There should be an emphasis on recognizing
the differences we all have. Not to look
down on those differences, but to see the
opportunities and beauty in them.”
Kelley grew up with the empha- her to opportunities that further
sis that people are more alike than her platform. In fact, it was a Ki-
different — which she says is a wanis mentor who invited her to
great callout. serve on the Kiwanis International
“But there should also be an Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
emphasis on recognizing the dif- Board Committee.
ferences we all have. Not to look During her travels, Kelley has
down on those differences, but to watched different perspectives
see the opportunities and beauty come together as community
in them,” she explains. members lean into opportunities,
In her efforts, Kelley has trav- embrace relationships and have
eled to all 92 Indiana counties conversations that are tough,
this year. Always welcomed with challenging or unfamiliar.
Hoosier hospitality, she’s visited As Kelley and Kiwanis clubs
grade school classrooms, granted work to create communities that
wishes for students, attended embrace diversity and encourage
community events and volun- inclusiveness, Kelley poses this
teered with local organizations challenge: Sit across the table from
throughout the state — including someone whose experience is
Through2Eyes Indiana, an orga- unlike your own.
nization that hosts tours around Long after her time as Mrs.
Indianapolis and explores the Indiana is complete, Kelley will
community’s history. continue to encourage relation-
Kelley brings collaboration and ships that expose the beauty in
project ideas to her Kiwanis clubs differences.
as a Mrs. Indiana and Make-A- “Let’s make this personal,” she
Wish Foundation representative, says, “and apply DEI to every
and club members seek to connect part of our lives.” K
38 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p037_KIM_0821_Kelly.indd 38 7/1/21 10:21 AMYou can also read
