Strengthening Community with Kiwanis

BY MICHAEL THOMAS

The evening was set in one of the elegant rooms at the Old Mill with chandelier lighting, loads of refreshments, a cocktail bar, and a DJ that kept the crowd dancing to a host of tropical tunes from Beres Hammond to Bob Marley.

What does one call an organization made up of a group of professionals who are committed to serving the children of the world? With ties to over half a million members of the K-kids organization and spreads out over 80 countries that range from Jamaica to Toronto, an organization that could very well hold such a title is Kiwanis International. Allen S. Browne founded Kiwanis International in 1915 in Detroit Michigan. With a membership of over 500,000, they are headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, and are found in more than 80 nations across the world.

The Kiwanis Club of Toronto Caribbean hosted a special Charter Reception at the Old Mill in Toronto on Saturday, April 6^th, to a packed house of Kiwanis officials and the public. Master of ceremony, Hugh Simmonds, one of the founding members and Charter President, kept the audience on their toes with his quick wit and humor. Despite the fun, he never lost sight of the goals of the organization as he encouraged guests to get to know each other and exchange ideas.

“Marketing ideas and sharing is very much a part of this organization when it comes to helping children with their educational goals like tuition, scholarships, and housing,” Simmonds believes this quote from Kiwanis International sums it up. “We believe our neighborhoods, our communities, and our world are best served when people of all ages and different backgrounds work together to share their time and talents.”

Among the distinguished dignitaries were Mr. Melford Clarke, the Eastern Canada and Caribbean Kiwanis International District Governor who lives in Nassau Bahamas. Clarke spoke with Toronto Caribbean Newspaper about his busy schedule, “I got here last night and went to a Kiwanis convention in Niagara Falls, we just concluded a division meeting and I have more divisions to visit.” When asked what Kiwanis means to him Clarke replied, “We are a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.”

Michael Young a Lieutenant Governor for Kiwanis division nine in Toronto was another one of the leaders of this organization present for the occasion and spoke of his years of service and leadership. “I get things done not for my self but for other people. It’s the ability to be a leader but a servant also. When you help someone, and they come back and take over the world that is where your satisfaction is.” Yonge also had high praise for President Simmonds calling him a humble person.

Simmonds pointed out that even though his club got its license less than a year ago, Kiwanis has been in Toronto since 1917. He is thankful for the efforts of other chapters, including the Riverdale Kiwanis Club for their continued support and sponsorship. When asked how he would like to be remembered Simmonds told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper “That I have exhausted all my gifts in the service of humankind.”

To the community, if one has a desire to become a Kiwanis member, know that the club welcomes like-minded people who want to experience leadership and fellowship while serving the children of the world.

Simmonds who was mentored by other Kiwanians as a kid and has risen throughout the ranks to emerge as president has been with Kiwanis for over 25 years. He told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper that “Service is the rent we pay for living.”